Process for the preparation of and crystalline forms of optical enantiomers of modafinil

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a process for the preparation of crystalline forms of the optical enantiomers of modafinil, comprising stages comprising: i) dissolving one of the optical enantiomers of modafinil in a solvent other than ethanol, ii) crystallising the modafinil enantiomer, iii) recovering the crystalline form of the modafinil enantiomer so obtained. The invention also relates to a process for the preparation of the optical enantiomers of modafinil.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of pending U.S. application Ser. No. 10/539,918, which has a U.S. 371(c) date of Feb. 17, 2006, and represents entry into the national phase in the United States of PCT/FR2003/003799, which has an international filing date of Dec. 18, 2003, and claims priority of French Application No. 0216412, filed Dec. 20, 2002. The foregoing applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties, for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a process for obtaining crystalline forms of the enantiomers of modafinil, and the crystalline forms which it is possible to obtain according to this process.

The invention also relates to a new process for the preparation of optical enantiomers of modafinil from (±) modafinil acid.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

U.S. Pat. No. 4,177,290 describes modafinil in racemic form, also known as (±) 2-(benzhydrylsulphinyl)acetamide or (±) 2-[(di-phenylmethyl)sulphinyl]acetamide, as a compound having properties of stimulating the central nervous system.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,927,855 describes the two optical enantiomers of modafinil. More particularly it describes the laevorotatory enantiomer and its use as an antidepressant or stimulant agent in the treatment of hypersomnia and disorders associated with Alzheimer's disease. The process for the preparation of the two optical enantiomers of modafinil from (±) modafinil acid or (±)-benzhydrylsulphinylacetic acid described in this document is illustrated in the following synthesis diagram:

This process comprises carrying out resolution of the optical enantiomers of (±) modafinil acid in a first stage via the formation of diastereoisomers with the optically active agent α-methylbenzylamine.

The (−)-α-methylbenzylamine-(−)-benzhydrylsulphinyl acetate is then converted to (−)-benzhydrylsulphinylacetic acid by acid hydrolysis. The latter is esterified in the presence of dimethyl sulphate and then converted to amide in the presence of ammonia (gas). The (−) or I (laevorotatory) enantiomer of modafinil is obtained through this process with an overall yield of 5.7% in relation to the (±) modafinil acid, calculated on the basis of the yields corresponding to each stage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The term “enantiomer” refers to stereoisomer molecules which are non-superimposable mirror images of each other. Enantiomers are typically designated using either (+) and (−) or (d) and (I), which indicates optical rotating power in the chiral centre.

Stereoisomerism may also be denoted by either (D) or (L) or by (R) and (S), these being descriptive of the absolute configuration.

In what follows the laevorotatory enantiomer of modafinil will be referred to without distinction as the I or (−) enantiomer, and the dextrorotatory enantiomer will for its part be referred to as the d or (+) enantiomer.

A process through which different crystalline forms of the optical enantiomers of modafinil can be obtained has now been discovered. More specifically the inventors have shown that the crystalline form obtained mainly depends on the nature of the crystallisation solvent used.

For the purposes of this description the term “crystalline form” refers to either a polymorphic form or a solvate, without distinction.

By “polymorphic form” is meant an organised structure involving only molecules of the solute, having a characteristic crystalline signature.

The term “solvate” relates to an organised structure having a characteristic crystalline signature which involves both molecules of solute and molecules of solvent. Solvates having one molecule of solute for one molecule of solvent are called true solvates.

Furthermore the inventors have shown that I-modafinil and d-modafinil prepared according to the conditions described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,177,290 are obtained in the form of one polymorphic form described as form I, which corresponds to the thermodynamically most stable polymorphic form under normal temperature and pressure conditions.

Form I has the X-ray diffraction spectrum below in which d represents the interplanar spacing and the ratio (I/Io) the relative intensity. CRL 40982 FORM I 2 Theta (degrees) d (Å) I/Io (%) 9.8 13.40 32 15.4 8.54 87 20.8 6.34 24 26.4 5.01 14 28.3 4.68 19 28.7 4.62 16 29.9 4.44 45 31.1 4.27 100 31.6 4.20 23 32 4.15 14 33.1 4.02 78 33.4 3.98 84 34.1 3.90 16 35.1 3.80 15 39 3.43 22 Diffractometer: Miniflex Rigaku (Elexience)

The crystalline forms of a given compound generally have physical, pharmaceutical, physiological and biological properties which differ from each other very sharply.

In this respect the crystalline forms of optically active modafinil, in particular the polymorphic forms, are of interest in that they have different and advantageous properties in comparison with form I.

According to another aspect, a new process for the preparation of the optical enantiomers of modafinil from (±)-modafinil acid has now been discovered, and this process can be used to isolate each enantiomer in yields and with an optical purity which are markedly superior to those described in U.S. Pat. 4,927,855.

In a particularly advantageous fashion a process for resolution of the two optical enantiomers of (±)-modafinil acid by preferential crystallisation, which is advantageously applicable to the preparation scale, has now been developed.

This process for the resolution of (±)-modafinil acid has many advantages:

-   -   it avoids the use of a costly chiral intermediate whose further         preparation involves losses which are rarely less than 10% (De         Min., M., Levy, G. and Michwater J.-C., 1988, J. Chem. Phys. 85,         603-19),     -   the two enantiomers are obtained directly, contrary to the         method which makes use of conventional resolution through the         formation of diastereoisomer salts,     -   the yield is theoretically quantitative as a result of         successive recycling of the mother liquors,     -   Purification of the crude enantiomer crystals is easy.

The invention therefore aims to provide a process of preparation for crystalline forms of the enantiomers of modafinil.

The invention also aims to provide a new process for preparation of the optical enantiomers of modafinil, and in particular the laevorotatory enantiomer of modafinil.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Process for the Preparation of I-Modafinil Polymorphs

These objects and others are accomplished by this invention which relates more particularly, in a first aspect, to a process for the preparation of crystalline forms of the optical enantiomers of modafinil, comprising the following stages:

-   -   i) dissolving one of the optical enantiomers of modafinil in a         solvent other than ethanol,     -   ii) crystallising the said enantiomer of modafinil, and     -   iii) recovering the crystalline form of the said enantiomer of         modafinil so obtained.

For the purposes of this invention, the solvent used in stage i) of the process, also referred to as the “recrystallisation solvent”recrystallisation solvent is a solvent capable of bringing about crystallisation of the said optical enantiomer of modafinil, preferably at atmospheric pressure. In other words it comprises any solvent A which with at least one of the enantiomers is capable of forming at a given pressure

-   -   in a first temperature and concentration domain, a monophase         system comprising at least one of the enantiomers in dilute         solution in solvent A,     -   in a second temperature and concentration domain which is not         the same as the former, a second two-phase system comprising         crystals of the said enantiomer in the presence of saturated         solution,     -   the two domains being separated from each other by the         solubility curve of the said enantiomer T (° C.)=f (enantiomer         concentration) at the pressure considered.

In general the crystallisation in stage ii) comprises changing from the monophase system to the two-phase system by varying the temperature and concentration.

By way of a non-restrictive illustration of solvents which may be suitable for the recrystallisation process according to the invention mention may in particular be made of alcoholic solvents, carboxylic acid ester solvents, ether solvents, chlorinated solvents, aromatic solvents, and lower aliphatic ketone solvents. Other solvents are for example, carboxylic acid solvents, aprotic polar solvents, alicyclic hydrocarbons, aliphatic hydrocarbons, carbonates, heteroaromatics and water.

Among the alcoholic solvents mention may be made in particular of lower alkyl alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, butanol, isobutanol, 2-methyl-2-pentanol, 1,2-propanediol and t-amyl alcohol, with methanol, propanol and isopropanol being particularly preferred.

Among solvents of the carboxylic acid ester type mention may be made in particular of alkyl acetates such as methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, n-propyl acetate, isopropyl acetate, n-butyl acetate and alkyl formates such as ethyl formate, with ethyl acetate being particularly preferred.

Useful ether recrystallisation solvents are diethylether, tetrahydrofuran (THF), dioxan, dibutylether, isopropyl ether, t-butylmethylether and tetrahydropyran, with tetrahydrofuran being particularly preferred.

Among the chlorinated solvents mention may be made of chlorinated hydrocarbons, in particular chloroform, 1,2-dichloroethane, dichloromethane and chlorinated aromatics such as chlorobenzene.

As examples of aromatic solvents mention may be made of ortho, meta, and para xylene or a mixture of ortho, meta and para xylene, methoxybenzene, nitrobenzene, trifluorotoluene and toluene, with ortho, meta and para xylene being particularly preferred.

Useful ketone solvents are solvents such as acetone, methylethylketone, methylisobutylketone, butan-2-one, cyclopentanone, isobutylmethylketone, 2-pentanone, 3-pentanone.

As an example of a carboxylic acid solvent, mention may be made in particular of acetic acid.

By way of an example of a heteroaromatic solvent, mention may be made in particular of pyridine.

Examples of aprotic polar solvents are in particular acetonitrile, propionitrile, 4-methylmorpholine, N,N-dimethylacetamide, nitromethane, triethylamine, N-methyl-pyrrolidone (NMP).

Examples of aliphatic hydrocarbons are in particular heptane, 2,2,4-trimethylpentane.

Examples of alicyclic hydrocarbons are in particular cyclopentane, cyclohexane.

Examples of carbonates are in particular alkyl carbonates such as dimethyl carbonate.

According to a preferred embodiment of the process according to the invention the crystallisation solvents are selected from acetone, methanol, 1-4 dioxan, ethyl acetate, mixtures of ortho, meta, para xylene, isopropanol, n-propanol, dimethyl carbonate, tetrahydrofuran, chloroform and methylethylketone, water and alcohol/H₂O mixtures.

Thus, crystalline forms of the optical enantiomers of modafinil can be obtained by recrystallisation of the enantiomers in particular solvents, where the nature and possibly the conditions of crystallisation mainly determine the type of crystalline form obtained.

Through its interaction with functional groups and electron-attracting or electron-donor substituents the recrystallisation solvent can in fact encourage certain molecular arrangements which give rise to a particular crystalline form under given crystallisation conditions.

Generally the recrystallisation solvent used in stage i) is heated, in particular under reflux, until the optical enantiomer of modafinil is completely dissolved in the solvent. Although the concentration of the optical enantiomer of modafinil in stage i) is not a critical factor for the crystallisation, it is however preferable to work in the presence of a concentration of optical enantiomer of modafinil which is close to the saturation concentration in the recrystallisation solvent in question.

According to one embodiment the optical enantiomer of modafinil is dissolved by heating the solvent under reflux and an additional quantity of the said optical enantiomer is then added in fractions in such a way as to achieve saturation. Additional solvent may be added to ensure complete dissolution.

According to another embodiment the optical enantiomer of modafinil is suspended in the solvent heated under reflux and an additional quantity of solvent is then added in fractions so as to obtain a homogeneous solution and thus achieve saturation.

The process of crystallisation of the optical enantiomer of modafinil in stage ii) may be accelerated using techniques known to those skilled in the art, namely cooling of the solution, evaporation of some of the solvent, the addition of an antisolvent or seeding the solution with crystals of optically active modafinil having the same crystalline form as that desired. Most commonly the mixture is stirred continually throughout the crystallisation process so as to obtain a homogeneous suspension and rapid renewal of the mother liquor around each crystallite.

The crystallisation process in the process according to the invention may be carried out under thermodynamic or kinetic conditions.

For the purposes of this description, by “crystallisation under thermodynamic conditions” is meant crystallisation performed under conditions in which equilibrium is maintained between the homogeneous solution and the saturated solution in the presence of crystals of I- or d-modafinil.

By way of example, a thermodynamic crystallisation may be performed by slowly cooling the solution obtained in stage i), typically by allowing the solution to cool to ambient temperature or by applying a rate of cooling or a cooling gradient which is preferably less than or equal to 0.75° C./min, more preferably to 0.6° C./min and more preferably to 0.5° C./min.

By “crystallisation performed under kinetic conditions” for the purposes of this description is meant a crystallisation in which equilibrium between the homogeneous solution and the saturated solution in the presence of crystals of d- or I-modafinil is suddenly displaced towards the latter two-phase domain, i.e. towards the formation of crystals.

By way of illustration, a crystallisation which is said to be kinetic can be performed in particular by rapid cooling, for example by implementing a cooling gradient of 300° C./min, or by precipitation through the addition of an antisolvent to the solution obtained in stage i).

By way of an illustrative and non-restrictive example these two types of thermodynamic or kinetic crystallisation are effected in this description by slow or rapid cooling.

Of course any other technique of crystallisation such as evaporation of the solvent or precipitation which would make it possible for kinetic and/or thermodynamic conditions to obtain also falls within the scope of the process according to the invention.

Thus according to a particular embodiment the crystallisation in stage ii) may be performed by precipitation, possibly in the presence of seed crystals of the desired crystal form.

The inventors have also shown that some solvents can give rise to different crystalline forms, more specifically to polymorphic forms, according to whether the crystallisation is performed under kinetic or thermodynamic conditions.

According to a particularly advantageous embodiment crystallisation comprises cooling of the solution obtained in stage i).

As applicable, in a first mode, cooling is rapid and generally corresponds to quenching of the solution obtained in stage i) in a bath at a temperature at or below 0° C. such as a bath of ice water for a sufficient time to permit complete crystallisation of the solution, or again cooling with a temperature gradient of for example between −1° C. and −5° C./min.

According to a second embodiment cooling is slow. In this context the solution is generally allowed to cool from the reflux temperature of the solvent to ambient temperature or the solution is cooled with a cooling gradient preferably between −0.1° C./min and −0.8° C./min, and more preferably close to −0.5° C./min, generally down to a temperature of 15° to 20° C.

Among the preferred combinations of solvents/antisolvents according to the invention mention may be made in particular of the combinations water/acetone, acetonitrile/water, ethanol/water, methanol/water, acetic acid/water.

Finally the crystalline forms of the optical enantiomers of modafinil can be isolated using conventional methods such as filtration and centrifuging.

By way of a non-restrictive illustration the process of preparation according to the invention is more particularly implemented using the laevorotatory enantiomer of modafinil.

According to a particular embodiment the crystalline form obtained according to this process is a polymorphic form.

In this respect it will be noted that in general each of the (I) and (d) enantiomers of a given chemical compound yield crystalline forms, in particular polymorphic forms, having powder X-ray diffraction spectra which are identical when they are recrystallised under the same experimental conditions.

In this respect reference should be made in particular to the work of J. Bernstein “Polymorphism in molecular crystals” 2002, University Press, Oxford, UK, and the publication by G. Coquerel, Enantiomer, 2000; 5(5): 481-498, Gordon and Breach Science Publishers.

In this respect the dextrorotatory form, whose X-ray diffraction spectra for the crystalline forms are identical to those of the laevorotatory form described below and vice versa, forms part of the invention.

In what follows the polymorphic forms designated forms I, II, III, IV and V also cover the CRL 40982 forms I, II, III, IV, V obtained from the laevorotatory enantiomer and the CRL 40983 forms I, II, III, IV, V obtained from the dextrorotatory enantiomer.

Form I

In this context, the process using a solvent selected from acetone, ethanol, 1-4 dioxan, ethyl acetate and mixtures of ortho, meta and para xylene, and a stage of crystallisation by slow cooling leads to the acquisition of form I or CRL 40982 form I.

The process using a solvent selected from methanol, water or alcohol/water mixtures, in particular methanol/water and ethanol/water, and a stage of crystallisation by rapid cooling leads to the acquisition of form I or CRL 40982 form I.

According to another equally preferred variant of the invention, the process using methanol and a stage of crystallisation by precipitation through the addition of cold water as an antisolvent for methanol leads to form I.

Form II

According to another embodiment of the invention, the process using a solvent in stage i) selected from isopropanol, ethyl acetate, n-propanol, or ethanol denatured with toluene and a stage of crystallisation by rapid cooling leads to a polymorphic form described as Form II or CRL 40982 form II.

According to a variant of the process form II can also be obtained by slow cooling from isopropanol.

It may also be commented that the production of form II from isopropanol does not depend on the conditions of crystallisation (thermodynamic or kinetic).

Form III

According to another variant of the process according to the invention the solvent used in stage i) is acetone, and crystallisation stage ii) comprises rapid cooling, this apparently leading to acquisition of a polymorphic form described as form III or CRL 40982 form III.

Form IV

As a variant of the process according to the invention, the solvent used in stage i) is selected from tetrahydrofuran, chloroform and methylethylketone, and crystallisation stage ii) comprises slow cooling of the solution, as a result of which a polymorphic form described as form IV or CRL 40982 form IV is obtained.

Depending upon the nature of the solvent used, the process for recrystallisation of the optical enantiomers of modafinil can give rise to the production of solvates.

Form V

As a variant of the process according to the invention the solvent used in stage i) is selected from 2-pentanone and tetrahydrofuran, and crystallisation stage ii) comprises slow cooling of the solution in 2-pentanone and rapid cooling in THF, as a result of which a polymorphic form described as form V is obtained.

Dimethyl Carbonate Solvate

Thus according to a particular embodiment of the invention, when the solvent used in stage i) is dimethyl carbonate and crystallisation consists of slow cooling, a dimethyl carbonate (−)-modafinil solvate is obtained.

Acetic Acid Solvate

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, when the solvent used in stage i) is acetic acid and crystallisation consists of a rapid or slow cooling, an acetic acid solvate is obtained.

Polymorphic Forms of (−)-Modafinil

The invention also relates to the polymorphic form of the laevorotatory enantiomer of modafinil described as CRL 40982 form II, characterised in that it produces an X-ray diffraction spectrum comprising intensity peaks for the interplanar spacings: 11.33, 8.54, 7.57, 7.44, 4.56, 3.78, 3.71 Å, the intensity peaks corresponding to the interplanar spacings of 8.54, 7.57, 7.44, 4.56, 3.78, 3.71 Å being particularly characteristic.

More specifically the X-ray diffraction spectrum below, in which d represents the interplanar spacing and I/Io the relative intensity: CRL 40982 FORM II 2 Theta (degrees) d (Å) I/Io (%) 11.6 11.33 54 15.4 8.54 58 17.4 7.57 41 17.7 7.44 34 23.3 5.67 19 24.8 5.33 26 27.4 4.83 19 28.9 4.59 36 29.1 4.56 97 29.8 4.45 23 32.8 4.05 29 34.3 3.88 23 35.3 3.78 100 35.9 3.71 40 40.1 3.34 21 47.7 2.83 20 53.7 2.53 32 Diffractometer: Miniflex Rigaku (Elexience)

The invention also relates to the polymorphic form of the laevorotatory enantiomer of modafinil described as CRL 40982 form III, characterised by an X-ray diffraction spectrum incorporating intensity peaks at the following interplanar spacings d: 13.40, 12.28, 8.54, 7.32, 6.17, 5.01, 4.10, 3.97, 3.42, 3.20 Å, and the interplanar spacings: 12.28, 8.54, 5.01, 4.10, 3.97, 3.42, 3.20 Å corresponding to the most characteristic intensity peaks.

In this context the invention relates more particularly to form III of (−)-modafinil which produces the following X-ray diffraction spectrum in which d represents the interplanar spacing and I/Io the relative intensity: CRL 40982 FORM III 2 Theta (degrees) d (Å) I/Io (%) 9.8 13.40 40 10.7 12.28 39 15.4 8.54 100 18.0 7.32 33 21.4 6.17 23 25.9 5.11 26 26.4 5.01 87 29.6 4.48 26 29.9 4.44 20 31.1 4.27 34 31.7 4.19 20 32.4 4.10 77 33.1 4.02 23 33.5 3.97 64 36.5 3.66 38 39.1 3.42 40 41.9 3.20 32 46.4 2.91 23 52.7 2.58 25 Diffractometer: Miniflex Rigaku (Elexience)

The invention also relates to the polymorphic form of the laevorotatory enantiomer of modafinil described as CRL 40982 form IV, characterised in that it produces an X-ray diffraction spectrum comprising intensity peaks at the interplanar spacings: 12.38; 8.58; 7.34; 6.16; 5.00; 4.48; 4.09; 3.66 Å, the most characteristic peaks corresponding to the interplanar spacings of 12.38; 8.58; 7.34; 5.00; 4.09 Å.

More specifically, form IV of (−)-modafinil is characterised in that it produces the following X-ray diffraction spectrum in which d represents the interplanar spacing and I/Io the relative intensity comprising intensity peaks at the interplanar spacings: CRL 40982 FORM IV 2 Theta (degrees) d (Å) I/Io (%) 6.37 13.88 26 7.14 12.38 69 8.60 10.27 23 10.30 8.58 100 12.04 7.34 49 14.37 6.16 24 15.65 5.66 11 17.30 5.12 29 17.72 5.00 60 19.12 4.64 15 19.81 4.48 25 20.82 4.26 10 21.24 4.18 12 21.70 4.09 51 23.28 3.82 9 24.30 3.66 30 25.18 3.53 9 26.02 3.42 21 27.13 3.28 9 27.90 3.20 15 Diffractometer: Siemens AG.

The invention also relates to the polymorphic form of the dextrorotatory enantiomer of modafinil referred to as CRL 40983 form V, characterised in that it produces an X-ray diffraction spectrum comprising intensity peaks at the interplanar spacings 9.63, 5.23; 5.03, 4.74, 4.66, 4.22, 4.10, 3.77 (Å). CRL 40983 FORM V 2 Theta (degrees) d (Å) I/Io (%) 6.65 13.27 22 7.24 12.21 5 9.17 9.63 51 10.38 8.51 19 12.28 7.20 15 14.33 6.17 14 15.81 5.60 4 16.95 5.23 68 17.64 5.03 100 18.69 4.74 51 19.03 4.66 58 20.06 4.42 3 21.06 4.22 91 21.67 4.10 64 22.39 3.97 17 23.61 3.77 55 24.64 3.61 8 25.40 3.50 13 26.21 3.40 20 26.95 3.31 18 Diffractometer: Bruker GADDS

The invention also relates to the dimethyl carbonate solvate of (−)-modafinil, characterised by the following diffraction spectrum in which d represents the interplanar spacing and I/Io the relative intensity: DIMETHYL CARBONATE SOLVATE 2 Theta (degrees) d (Å) I/Io (%) 7.17 12.31 38 9.12 9.69 29 9.72 9.09 16 10.35 8.54 35 12.17 7.27 100 14.25 6.21 16 16.26 5.45 10 17.36 5.10 13 17.72 5.00 21 18.35 4.83 9 19.16 4.63 9 19.88 4.46 14 21.04 4.22 12 21.49 4.13 25 21.73 4.09 24 23.49 3.78 22 24.55 3.62 35 25.24 3.53 8 26.05 3.42 9 26.88 3.32 7 27.48 3.24 13 27.81 3.21 10 28.79 3.10 8 Diffractometer: Siemens AG.

The invention also relates to the acetic acid solvate of the laevorotatory and dextrorotatory enantiomers of modafinil which can be obtained by the recrystallisation process according to the invention, characterised in that it produces a X-ray diffraction spectrum comprising intensity peaks at the interplanar spacings: 9.45; 7.15; 5.13; 4.15; 3.67 (Å). ACETIC ACID SOLVATE 2-Theta (degrees) d (Å) I/Io % 6.64 13.30 8.5 7.15 12.35 15 9.36 9.45 100 10.43 8.48 6.5 12.38 7.15 25 14.38 6.16 15 16.37 5.41 8 17.29 5.13 28 17.82 4.97 21 18.24 4.86 16 18.96 4.68 7 19.24 4.61 6 20.09 4.42 20 21.40 4.15 75 22.55 3.94 21 23.42 3.80 7 24.25 3.67 40 24.92 3.57 12 25.21 3.53 9.5 26.15 3.40 11 26.78 3.33 8 26.99 3.30 6 28.43 3.14 13 28.79 3.10 14 29.63 3.01 7 30.03 2.97 4 32.33 2.77 9 33.13 2.70 7 34.29 2.61 3 34.86 2.57 7 35.90 2.50 7 Diffractomètre: Bruker GADDS

According to another aspect, the invention also relates to a process for conversion from a first crystalline form of one of the enantiomers of modafinil to a second crystalline form which is different from the former, the said process comprising the stages of:

-   -   i) suspending the crystalline form of the said enantiomer of         modafinil in a solvent;     -   ii) recovering the crystalline form obtained.

By way of solvents which may be suitable for this process mention may be made in particular of acetonitrile.

In general the initial crystalline form is held in suspension at a temperature lower than the homogenisation temperature for a sufficient length of time to permit total conversion of the initial form. This period may vary in particular according to the nature of the solvent, the initial crystalline form and the temperature of the medium. Conventionally the crystalline form is held in suspension for at least 24 hours at ambient temperature under atmospheric pressure, most commonly for approximately 72 hours.

By way of illustration this process is implemented using (−)-modafinil.

In this context, according to a particular embodiment of the invention, the process uses form I in acetonitrile in stage i), as a result of which an acetonitrile solvate of (−)-modafinil is obtained.

By way of indication form I is held in suspension for several days, preferably for 3 days at ambient temperature, at atmospheric pressure.

The invention also relates to the acetonitrile solute of (−)-modafinil which can be obtained through the recrystallisation process according to the invention. It is characterised by the following diffraction spectrum in which d represents the interplanar spacing and I/Io the relative intensity: ACETONITRILE SOLVATE 2 Theta (degrees) d (Å) I/Io (%) 5.46 16.17 46 6.25 14.14 95 7.17 12.32 51 8.28 10.66 81 9.02 9.79 68 9.51 9.29 53 10.34 8.54 53 10.84 8.15 63 11.33 7.80 79 12.47 7.09 53 14.02 6.31 45 15.20 5.83 35 15.76 5.62 34 16.37 5.41 40 17.37 5.10 51 18.10 4.90 46 19.05 4.66 44 19.36 4.58 37 19.89 4.46 39 20.48 4.33 59 21.14 4.20 55 22.10 4.02 100 22.65 3.92 60 23.17 3.835 42 23.89 3.72 33 24.72 3.60 38 24.93 3.57 37 25.81 3.45 37 26.73 3.33 55 27.52 3.24 30 27.97 3.19 30 28.89 3.09 31 29.44 3.03 27 Diffractometer: Siemens AG.

Pharmaceutical Compositions Comprising Polymorphic Forms II, III, IV and V of (−)-Modafinil and (+)-Modafinil Respectively

The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the polymorphic forms CRL 40982 form II, CRL 40982 form III, CRL 40982 form IV or CRL 40982 form V of (−)-modafinil and form CRL 40983 form II, CRL 40983 form III, CRL 40983 form IV and CRL 40983 form V respectively, possibly in association with a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle.

These compositions may be administered orally, via the mucosa (for example, the mucosa of the eye, nose, lungs, stomach, intestines, rectum, vagina or the urinary apparatus) or parenterally (for example subcutaneously, intradermally, intramuscularly, intravenously or intraperitoneally).

According to a preferred embodiment the pharmaceutical compositions according to the invention are administered orally in the form of tablets, pills, gelules or immediate release or controlled release granules, in the form of powder, capsules, suspension of a liquid or in a gel or emulsion, or as a lyophilisate, or preferably in the form of tablets, capsules, suspension in a liquid or in a gel. The vehicle for administration may comprise one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients which are likely to ensure stability of the polymorphic forms (for example a suspension of a polymorph in an oil).

The pharmaceutical compositions according to the invention comprise the II, III, IV or V polymorphic forms of (−)-modafinil and (+)-modafinil respectively, possibly as mixtures of each other and/or with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients.

A solid composition for oral administration is prepared by adding one or more excipients to the active ingredient, in particular a filler, and, if appropriate a binder, an exfoliating agent, a lubricant, a surfactant and an emulsifier, a solubiliser, a colouring agent, a sugar substitute or a taste modifier, with the mixture being formed for example into the form of a table or capsule.

Examples of fillers include lactose, sucrose, mannitol or sorbitol; preparations based on cellulose, such as for example maize starch, rice starch, potato starch.

Examples of binders include gelatine, gum tragacanth, methylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, and/or polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), povidone, copovidone, dextran, dextrin, cyclodextrin and its derivatives such as hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin.

Examples of sugar substitutes include aspartame, saccharin and sodium cyclamate.

Examples of taste modifying agents include cocoa powder, mint in vegetable form, aromatic powder, mint in the form of oil, borneol and powdered cinnamon.

Examples of surfactants and emulsifiers include in particular polysorbate 20, 60, 80, sucroester (7-11-15), poloxamer 188, 407, PEF 300, 400 and sorbitan stearate.

Examples of solubilising agents include miglyol 810, 812, glycerides and their derivatives and propylene glycol.

Examples of exfoliating agents include, for example, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, sodium carmellose or alginic acid or a salt of the latter such as sodium alginate.

Examples of lubricants include magnesium stearate, stearyl magnesium fumarate, behenic acid and its derivatives.

The pharmaceutical compositions according to this invention may also contain another crystalline form of (−)-modafinil or (+)-modafinil respectively, in particular form I and/or another active ingredient or inactive ingredient as a mixture with one or more other polymorphic forms of modafinil such as form III, form II, form IV and form V.

For the purposes of this invention the term “pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle” covers solvents, dispersion media, antifungal and antibacterial agents, isotonic agents and absorption-delaying agents. The use of such media and agents for pharmaceutically active substances is well known to those skilled in the art.

The invention also relates to the use of the forms CRL 40982 form II, CRL 40982 form III, CRL 40982 form IV or CRL 40982 form V of (−)-modafinil and the forms CRL 40983 form II, CRL 40983 form III, CRL 40983 form IV or CRL 40983 form V of (+)-modafinil respectively for the manufacture of a medication intended for the prevention and/or treatment of a condition selected from hypersomnia, in particular idiopathic hypersomnia and hypersomnia in patients affected by a cancer treated by morphine analgesics to relieve pain; sleep apnoeas, excessive somnolence associated with a disease, obstructive sleep apnoeas, narcolepsy; somnolence, excessive somnolence, excessive somnolence associated with narcolepsy; disturbances of the central nervous system such as Parkinson's disease; protection of the cerebral tissue against ischaemia, alertness disturbances, in particular alertness disturbances associated with Steinert's disease, attention disturbances, for example associated with hyperactivity (ADHD); the condition of fatigue, in particular that associated with multiple sclerosis and other degenerative diseases; depression, the depressive condition associated with low exposure to sunlight, schizophrenia, rotating shift working, time shifts; eating disturbances, in which modafinil acts as an appetite stimulant, the stimulation of cognitive functions in low doses.

Process for the Preparation Optically Active Modafinil

In accordance with another aspect the invention relates to a process for preparation of the optical enantiomers of modafinil from (±) modafinil acid, the said process comprising the following stages:

-   -   i) separating the two optical enantiomers of (±) modafinil acid         and recovering at least one of the enantiomers,     -   ii) placing one of the two enantiomers obtained in contact with         a lower alkyl haloformate and an alcohol in the presence of a         base,     -   iii) recovering the product obtained,     -   iv) converting the ester obtained in stage iii) into an amide,     -   v) recovering the product obtained in stage iv).

Preferably the lower alkyl haloformate is a lower alkyl chloroformate and, better still, it comprises methyl chloroformate.

Advantageously the lower alkyl haloformates, among which in particular methyl chloroformate, used in this process to bring about the esterification of modafinil acid are less toxic than the dimethyl sulphate described in the process in the prior art U.S. Pat. No. 4,927,855, giving equivalent or better yields. The process is therefore easier to use and more suitable for industrial application.

Preferably the operation is conducted in the presence of an equimolar quantity of lower alkyl haloformate and base in stage ii) in relation to optically active modafinil acid.

It is particularly preferred to use organic bases, more preferably nitrogen-containing bases.

As a particularly preferred base mention may be made in particular of triethylamine, diisopropylamine, diethylmethylamine, diisopropylethyl amine, 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU).

Preferably the solvent used in stage ii) is a lower aliphatic alcohol such as methanol, ethanol or propanol, methanol being particularly preferred.

According to a particular embodiment the ester obtained from stage ii) is crystallised by the addition of iced water.

Conversion of the ester to amide in stage iv) preferably consists of ammonolysis, i.e. treatment with ammonia.

In this context it is generally preferably to work with an excess of ammonia.

According to a particularly advantageous variant of the invention, ammonia is used in the form of gas.

In a preferred embodiment the ammonolysis reaction is performed in a polar solvent, preferably a protic solvent such as lower aliphatic alcohols, for example in methanol or ethanol, methanol being particularly preferred.

The (+) or (−)modafinil acid ester in stage iii) and the (+) or (−)modafinil respectively in stage iv) are recovered using conventional methods known to those skilled in the art.

According to another aspect the invention relates to a process for the preparation of optical enantiomers of modafinil comprising the following stages:

-   -   a. resolving the two optical enantiomers of (±) modafinil acid         or salts of the same according to a preferential crystallisation         process,     -   b. converting the said isolated enantiomers into an amide,     -   c. recovering the modafinil enantiomer obtained.

According to a preferred embodiment stage b) is performed in two stages:

-   -   b1) converting the said enantiomers into a lower alkyl ester,     -   b2) converting the product obtained in stage b1) into an amide.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment stage b1) is carried out in the presence of a lower alkyl haloformate, an alcohol and a base, under the conditions described previously.

According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, when b1) is performed in the presence of methyl chloroformate, a base and an alcohol and c1) comprises an ammonolysis such as described previously, this process in which the (±)-modafinil acid is separated by preferential crystallisation gives rise to an overall yield generally of the order of 25%. Thus the yield of the (−)-modafinil enantiomer in particular obtained by this process is markedly greater than that obtained in U.S. Pat. No. 4,927,855.

The preferential crystallisation technique is a technique which is widely used in laboratories and in industry.

This method is based on the alternate crystallisation of two chiral compounds referred to as R and S, forming a conglomerate in solvent A and over a given temperature range D_(T). This means that within this temperature range any mixture of the two antipodes in thermodynamic equilibrium with the solution comprises two types of crystals each of which only contain molecules having the same configuration, which may or may not incorporate solvent molecules (solvates). The existence of such a conglomerate, without miscibility in the solid state, is implicitly accepted in what follows, at least during the temperature range D_(T) and in the case of solvent A.

Two kinds of factors influence crystallisation of the optical antipodes, on the one hand parameters associated with ternary heterogeneous equilibria and on the other hand factors affecting the kinetics of crystallisation.

The parameters associated with ternary heterogeneous equilibria comprise:

-   -   the positions of the crystallisation surfaces for the solid         species which are deposited at each temperature and more         particularly the solubilities of the stable and metastable         phases, of the s(+) racemic mixture and the antipodes s(+)=s(−)         in relation to temperature, and the ratio of solubilities α=s         (±)/s(+),     -   the extent of the stable and metastable domains for the solid         solutions, the racemate, the racemic solvate, the active         solvates and the polymorphic varieties of the crystallised         solids.

The factors acting on the kinetics of crystallisation include:

-   -   factors internal to the crystals, associated with the bonds         between molecules, which cannot be modified by the experimenter,     -   external factors which can be modified by the experimenter;         these are the nature of the solvent, the nature and         concentration of impurities, the supersaturation acquired in         relation to time, the temperature range D_(T), the speed and         manner of stirring, the mass and particle size of the nuclei,         the wall effect, etc.

These two kinds of factors directly influence the yield, the purity of the phases obtained and the conduct of the separation operations. The feasibility of filtration also depends on the particle size spectrum and the habits of the crystals, the viscosity of the suspension, the vapour pressure of the solvent, the supersaturation of each of the antipodes and the possible presence of a true racemate of a metastable nature. These choices may also affect the kinetics of racemisation of the antipodes or degradation of the molecule.

For each combination comprising the pair of antipodes (R and S) and the solvent (A), the factors affecting the kinetics are of a particular type.

Two preferred methods of crystallisation are mainly distinguished:

-   -   conventional processes, described as SIPC, for “Seeded         Isothermal Preferential Crystallization” and their polythermic         variants, and     -   the process referred to as AS3PC, for “Auto-Seeded Polythermic         Programmed Preferential Crystallization”.

In the AS3PC preferential crystallisation method which is referred to as being auto-seeded, the system is placed under conditions such that it itself generates its own seeds to produce the required enantiomer, while in the SIPC method these seeds are introduced by seeding. The two types of processes are described in greater detail below.

For more information concerning resolution processes by preferential crystallisation by the AS3PC methods reference may be made in particular to the documents by G. Coquerel, M.-N. Petit and R. Bouaziz, Patent EP 0720595 B1, 1996, E. Ndzié, P. Cardinaël, A.-R. Schoofs and G. Coquerel, Tetrahedron Asymmetry, 1997, 8(17), 2913-2920, L. Courvoisier, E. Ndzie, M.-N. Petit, U. Hedtmann, U. Sprengard and G. Coquerel, Chemistry Letters, 2001, 4, 364-365.

According to a particular embodiment, the process for resolution of the optical enantiomers of (±) modafinil acid or its salts is a seeded SIPC or S3PC process, the said process comprising the following stages:

-   -   a) homogenisation of an combination comprising a racemic mixture         of crystals in the form of a conglomerate of the first         enantiomer of modafinil acid at a temperature T_(D), for which         the defining point E, defined by the variables concentration and         temperature T_(D), lies within the monophase domain of the         dilute solution,     -   b) rapidly cooling the solution prepared in stage a) initially         at the temperature T_(D) down to the temperature T_(F),     -   c) seeding the solution obtained in stage b) while cooling         (i. e. between T_(L) and T_(F)) or when cooling is complete         (i. e. at T_(F)) with very pure seeds of the first enantiomer,     -   d) harvesting crystals of the first enantiomer,     -   e) adding the racemic mixture of crystals in the form of         conglomerate to the mother liquors resulting from the harvest         performed in stage d) and homogenising the new combination by         heating to a temperature T_(D), so that the defining point E′ is         symmetrical for E with respect to the plane of the racemic         mixture of the solvent, antipode (−), antipode (+) system, the         said point E′ lying within the monophase domain of the dilute         solution,     -   f) rapidly cooling the solution obtained in stage e), initially         at temperature T_(D), down to temperature T_(F),     -   g) seeding the solution obtained in stage f) with very pure         seeds of the second enantiomer,     -   h) harvesting the crystals of the second enantiomer,     -   i) adding the racemic mixture in the form of a conglomerate of         crystals resulting from the crystal harvest made in stage h) to         the mother liquors and homogenising the new combination by         heating to a temperature T_(D) in order to obtain a composition         identical to that of the combination having the initial defining         point E,     -   j) repeating stages a), b), c), d), e), f), h) and j) to         subsequently obtain the first and then the second of the two         enantiomers.

Reference is frequently made to these two methods by describing them as “SIPC” and “S3PC” respectively, the latter being a variant of SIPC as described in detail further on in the description.

In what follows, for the purposes of this invention,

-   -   T_(F) represents the temperature at the end of crystallisation         and filtration, located in the three-phase domain,     -   T_(L) represents the homogenisation temperature of the racemic         mixture,     -   T_(D) represents the starting temperature at which the starting         mixture is a homogenous solution,     -   antipode means an enantiomer.

Preferably the process for the resolution of these two optical enantiomers of (±)-modafinil acid or salts of these by preferential crystallisation is an AS3PC self-seeded process, the said process comprising the following stages:

-   -   a) creating a combination comprising a racemic mixture of the         crystals in the form of a conglomerate of the first enantiomer         of modafinil acid and solvent, for which the defining point E,         defined by the variables concentration and temperature T_(B),         lie within the two-phase domain of the enantiomer in excess, and         is in equilibrium with the saturated solution,     -   b) applying a temperature cooling programming function to the         two-phase mixture prepared in stage a), this programming         function being such that the mother liquors remain slightly         supersaturated, encouraging growth of the enantiomer present in         the form of crystals while preventing spontaneous nucleation of         the second enantiomer present in the solution,     -   c) throughout the time of crystal growth in stage b) adopting a         rate of stirring which increases slightly in relation to time so         that it is at all times sufficiently slow to encourage growth of         the first enantiomer while avoiding the generation of         excessively large shear forces bringing about uncontrolled         nucleation but sufficiently fast to achieve a homogeneous         suspension and rapid renewal of the mother liquor around each         crystallite of the first enantiomer,     -   d) harvesting the crystals of the first enantiomer,     -   e) adding the racemic mixture of crystals in the form of a         conglomerate to the mother liquors resulting from the harvest         performed in stage d) and bringing the new combination to a         temperature threshold T_(B) during the time necessary to achieve         thermodynamic equilibrium so that the defining point E′ is         symmetrical for E with respect to the plane of the racemic         mixtures for the solvent, antipode (−), antipode (+) system, the         said point E′ lying within the two-phase domain of the second         enantiomer which is in excess and in equilibrium with its         saturated solution,     -   f) applying the same cooling programming function as in stage b)         to the two-phase mixture prepared in stage e) containing the         second enantiomer so that the mother liquors remain slightly         supersaturated during crystallisation in order to encourage         growth of the enantiomer present in the form of crystals while         preventing spontaneous nucleation of the first enantiomer         present in the solution,     -   g) adopting a stirring speed which increases slightly in         relation to time over the entire time of crystal growth in         stage f) so that it is at all times sufficiently slow to         encourage growth of the second enantiomer while avoiding         generation of excessively large shear forces giving rise to         uncontrolled nucleation, but sufficiently fast to obtain a         homogeneous suspension and rapid renewal of the mother liquor         around each crystallite of the second enantiomer,     -   h) harvesting crystals of the second enantiomer,     -   i) adding the racemic mixture of crystals in the form of         conglomerate to the mother liquors resulting from the crystal         harvest performed in stage g) in order to obtain a combination         in which the composition is identical to that of the initial         combination E,     -   j) repeating stages a), b), c), d), e), f) g), h) and i) to         obtain the first and then the second of the two enantiomers         successively.

In what follows, for the purposes of this invention, T_(HOMO) shall mean the homogenisation temperature of the combination comprising the racemic mixture, the first enantiomer and the solvent.

Thus in stage (a) of the process according to the invention the choice of the solvent or solvents and the working temperature range are defined in such a way so as to obtain simultaneously:

-   -   antipodes which form a conglomerate and of which any racemate is         metastable in the working temperature range,     -   liquors which are sufficiently concentrated but of low viscosity         and low vapour pressure,     -   the absence of solvolysis and racemisation,     -   stability of the solvates if these are present at equilibrium         and they are resolvable enantiomers.

In stages (a) and (e) of the process according to the invention, the temperature T_(B) is higher than the temperature T_(L) for homogenisation of the quantity of racemic mixture present in the initial suspension, in that from the curve for the change in T_(HOMO) in relation to the excess of enantiomer and for a constant concentration of the racemic mixture X_(L) the said temperature T_(B) is defined in such a way that the mass of fine crystals of the first enantiomer from stages (a) and (i) and the second enantiomer from stage (e), in equilibrium with their saturated solutions, represent at most 50% and preferably between 25% and 40% of the expected harvest.

In stages (b) and (f) of the process according to the invention, the function for programming cooling from temperature T_(B) to T_(F), appropriate to the experimental assembly, is defined so as to:

-   -   achieve slight supersaturation throughout the time for         crystallisation of the enantiomer present in the form of         crystals at the start of each cycle, this slight supersaturation         giving rise to gentle growth and secondary nucleation,     -   achieve maximum supersaturation of the other enantiomer at T_(F)         without primary nucleation,     -   obtain a harvest of crystals in stages (d) and (h) which after         addition of the racemic mixture and the provision of make-up in         stages (e) and (i), makes it possible to perform the operations         cyclically.

In fact every experimental assembly has an influence on the supersaturation capacities of the mixtures used and the efficiency of stirring, and as a consequence the function programming cooling must be adapted to the circumstances in which the process is carried out. However the temperature T_(B), the solubilities of the racemic mixture in relation to temperature, and the T_(HOMO) curve in relation to the excess of enantiomer for a constant concentration of the racemic mixture X_(L) are themselves wholly independent of the experimental assembly.

The cooling programming function, which is the function linking temperature with time, is determined in its part from T_(L) to T_(F) by cooling of the solution of concentration X_(L) from T_(L)+1° C. to T_(F), where T_(F) is lower than T_(L)−(T_(HOMO)−T_(L)), in order to obtain a stable saturated solution without primary nucleation while permitting a double harvest of the initial enantiomer excess and the said cooling programming function is determined in its part from T_(B) to T_(L) by extrapolation of the same function as established from T_(L)+1° C. to T_(F).

The process for the preferential crystallisation of (±)-modafinil acid or salts of the same has other advantageous features alone or in combination such that:

-   -   in stages (a) and (i) the mass of fine crystals of the first         enantiomer in equilibrium with the saturated solution represents         between approximately 25% and 40% of the expected harvest, 50%         representing a maximum limit,     -   in stage e) the mass of fine crystals of the second enantiomer         in equilibrium with its saturated solution represents between         approximately 25% and 40% of the expected harvest, 50%         representing a maximum limit,     -   in stages (b) and (f) the heat released accompanying deposition         of the first enantiomer and the second enantiomer is         incorporated into the temperature programming function,     -   in stages (e) and (i) compensatory additions of solvent are         made,     -   in stages (a), (e) and (i) the fine crystals of the racemic         mixture in the form of conglomerate added were subjected to         prior treatment to accelerate the dissolution stage, such as         grinding and sieving, treatment with ultrasound waves or partial         lyophilisation, before being added; these treatments being also         for the purpose of providing fine crystals capable of generating         a large surface area for crystal growth,     -   in stages (a), (e) and (i) involving dissolution, the rate of         stirring is high in comparison with stages (c) and (g).

In addition to the heterogeneous equilibrium data required for implementing the AS3PC process, the operations are also subject to adjustable kinetic constraints, particularly the cooling function, and these are specific to each solvent/enantiomer combination.

According to one embodiment the solvent used in stage a) of the SIPC, S3PC or AS3PC processes is absolute or denatured ethanol, possibly in a mixture with an organic or mineral base, or with one or more solvents capable of improving the solubility of the racemic mixture in ethanol.

As a variant, the solvent used in stage a) of the SIPC, S3PC or AS3PC processes is 2-methoxyethanol or methanol, possibly mixed with an organic or mineral base, and/or one or more solvents capable of improving the solubility of the racemic mixture in ethanol.

According to a particularly advantageous embodiment the solvent used in stage a) of the SIPC or AS3PC process is ethanol, 2-methoxyethanol or methanol. For (±)-modafinil acid the filtration temperature T_(F) preferably lies between 0° C. and 40° C.

In the case of ethanol the temperature T_(F) preferably lies between 0° C. and 25° C., and better still it is close to 18° C. or 17° C.

In the case of 2-methoxyethanol or methanol, the temperature T_(F) preferably lies between 20° C. and 35° C. and in particular is close to 30° C.

Preferably the concentration of the racemic mixture in stage a) then lies between 2 and 50% by mass, more preferably between 2 and 30% by mass, and, better still, close to 5.96% by mass in the case of ethanol, 15.99% in the case of 2-methoxyethanol and 25.70% in the case of methanol.

In this context it is most particularly preferred that the enantiomer excess in stage a) should be between 1 and 50% by mass, more preferably between 1 and 20% by mass, and, better still, close to 11% by mass in the case of ethanol, 8% by mass in the case of 2-methoxyethanol and 10% by mass in the case of methanol.

In the SIPC and S3PC processes the temperature T_(D), the temperature at which the starting mixture is a homogeneous solution, depends on concentration and then generally lies between 35° and 50° C. when the solvent is under reflux. The cooling from temperature T_(D) to T_(F) is very fast so as to remain within the monophase domain and is preferably carried out in less than 20 min, for example by quenching.

According to a preferred embodiment of the AS3PC process the temperature T_(B) then lies between the temperatures T_(L) and T_(HOMO). The temperature T_(B) may in particular lie between 25° C. and 50° C.

By way of example, in the case of ethanol, when the enantiomer excess is close to 11% by mass temperature T_(B) preferably lies between 25° C. and 40° C., in particular between 30.1° C. and 36.2° C. and more preferably close to 33.5° C. or 31.5° C.

In the case of 2-methoxyethanol, when the enantiomer excess is close to 8% by mass temperature T_(B) preferably lies between 35° C. and 50° C., in particular between 39.1° C. and 47.9° C. and more preferably close to 41° C.

In the case of methanol, when the enantiomer excess is close to 10% by mass, temperature T_(B) preferably lies between 40° C. and 55° C., in particular between 45.1° C. and 53.9° C. and more preferably close to 46.5° C.

It is most particularly preferred that cooling from T_(B) to T_(F) in stage b) be carried out in a time which is sufficiently long for the average mass of desired enantiomer crystals harvested to be large, but sufficiently short to prevent the other enantiomer from crystallising, thus obtaining a high optical purity, in particular greater than 85%. Cooling is generally monitored by polarimetry to determine the right moment for filtration. Preferably cooling takes place between 50 and 70 minutes, better still, it takes 60 minutes when the solvent used is ethanol.

Likewise, the length of the plateau at temperature T_(F) for the SIPC, AS3PC and S3PC processes is preferably sufficiently great to allow a large mass of the desired enantiomer crystals to be harvested, but not too long so as to prevent the other enantiomer from crystallising at the same time as the desired enantiomer, thus obtaining a high optical purity.

According to a preferred embodiment the length of the temperature plateau T_(F) lies between 15 and 60 minutes, preferably about 60 minutes.

A person skilled in the art will be able to adjust the rate of stirring to the type of reactor used in SIPC, S3PC or AS3PC processes. By way of indication, for a 2 or 10 litre reactor the speed at which the medium is stirred may be held between 150 and 250 rpm.

In a particularly useful manner these methods of preferential crystallisation make it possible to isolate the optical enantiomers of modafinil, in particular the laevorotatory enantiomer, in yields which are very much greater than those obtained by resolution using a chiral agent. The yields obtained are generally of the order of 90%, or even higher, in relation to the (+) or (−) optical enantiomer, or of the order of 45% or more in relation to the racemic mixture.

AS3PC, SIPC and S3PC Methods

The AS3PC and SIPC methods mentioned above are described below.

Ternary Heterogeneous Equilibria: R and S Antipodes, and Solvent A

For example the work by J. E. Ricci (Ed. Dover Publication Inc. New York, 1966, The Phase Rule and Heterogeneous Equilibrium) deals with the general case of heterogeneous equilibria in ternary systems. The description below will be restricted to particular aspects of the ternary system, A (achiral solvent), R and S (enantiomers which cannot be racemised in the temperature domain used), which are necessary for an understanding of the various processes of preferential crystallisation.

In order to show the special role of the solvent this ternary system will be represented by a right prism having a cross-section which is a right-angled isosceles triangle on which the temperature is plotted on an axis perpendicular to the plane of concentration.

The fact that the thermodynamic variables for the two enantiomers, Tf, ΔHf, solubility in a achiral solvent, etc., are identical has the result that representation of the domains is symmetrical with respect to the vertical plane A-TS-T, which includes the optically inactive mixtures, in FIG. 1. The following simplifications have been made in order to assist an initial description of this system:

-   -   the only phases which crystallise out are the pure constituents         in a given arrangement (absence of racemate, solvate and         polymorphism in the case of the antipodes),     -   miscibility between the independent constituents is zero in the         solid state,     -   the solvent has a melting point which is appreciably lower than         that of the antipodes,     -   in the temperature range used the solubility of an antipode is         not influenced by the presence of the other in the solution         (Meyerhoffer's law is respected), which is reflected in the         ratio having the value α=2).         Representation of Ternary Equilibria as a Function of         Temperature

FIG. 1 shows the domains for the following phases:

-   -   the monophase domain for the dilute solution (φ=1),     -   the two crystallisation surfaces for the constituents bounding         the two-phase domains (φ=2).     -   the surface for deposition of the solvent is confined to the         vicinity of A because the melting point of this constituent is         appreciably lower than that of the other constituents, in         accordance with the conditions mentioned above.     -   the three monovariant curves (φ=3) or eutectic valleys         originating from binary eutectic points,     -   the ternary eutectic invariant at Tε (φ=4), above which the         three constituents are crystallised.

FIG. 2 shows in a superimposed fashion the two isothermal cross-sections of the ternary displayed in FIG. 1 at T_(D) and T_(F). At each temperature the cross-section consists of four domains as detailed in the table below. Number of Domain Nature of the phases in phases in Temperature boundary equilibrium equilibrium T_(D) A-S_(D)-I_(D)-S′_(D) dilute solution 1 T_(D) R-S_(D)-I_(D) solution + crystals of R 2 T_(D) S-S′_(D)-I_(D) solution + crystals of S 2 T_(D) I_(D)-R-S solution + crystals of R and S 3 T_(F) A-S_(F)-I_(F)-S′_(F) dilute solution 1 T_(F) R-S_(F)-I_(F) solution + crystals of R 2 T_(F) S-S′_(F)-I_(F) solution + crystals of S 2 T_(F) I_(F)-R-S solution + crystals of R and S 3 Isopleth cross-section RYT

FIG. 3 shows the isopleth cross-section R-Y-T which is fundamental to an understanding of crystallisation by the cooling of ternary solutions in thermodynamic quasi-equilibrium. This cross-section is also necessary for following non-equilibrium processes, SIPC, variants and AS3PC. This plane is the geometric locus of the points fulfilling the relationship:

X_(A)/X_(S)=(1−Y)/Y=constant, with X_(A) and X_(S) providing the fractions by mass of solvent and antipodes S.

In FIG. 3 it is possible to see:

-   -   the monophase domain of the ternary solution,     -   the liquidus for antipode R, this curve representing the         intersection of plane R-Y in FIG. 2 with the crystallisation         surface for that constituent. This stable equilibrium curve         originates at the melting point of antipode R (not shown) and is         bounded on the low temperature side by point L which forms part         of the ternary eutectic valley for the racemic mixtures. This         latter curve and the line of the conoid at T_(L) (horizontal         segment at T_(L)) are the boundary of the two-phase         domain—saturated solution plus crystals of R. It extends into         the underlying three-phase domain through a solubility curve for         the same antipode R which is of a metastable nature (dashed         lines),     -   the three-phase domain: crystals of T and S, plus saturated         solution. This domain is bounded at the top by the horizontal         line of the conoid for R, and at the bottom by the line of the         invariant ternary eutectic plane and on the left by the line Lm         of one of the conoids relating to the antipode S.     -   the line KL of the crystallisation surface for antipode S which         bounds the two-phase domain at the top—saturated solution plus         crystals of S. This domain is bounded in its lower part by the         lines of the two conoids for S: gm and Lm. The location of the         second line Lm of the conoid for S in relation to the metastable         solubility curve for R, which is an extension of EL, will be         discussed below in relation to the relative position of F1 and F         in relation to the ratio of solubilities α,     -   The ternary invariant at the temperature Tε above which the         three crystallised constituents A, R and S lie.         Chance on Cooling and with Thermodynamic Quasi-Equilibrium of         the Ternary Solutions having a Slight Excess of Enantiomer

It is taken in what follows that the overall point for the system (i. e. the point representing the overall composition of the mixture) lies on the vertical passing through point E in FIGS. 2 and 3, and its precise position is defined by

-   -   its temperature (or level). Only the following temperature range         is considered:     -   T_(D): temperature at which the starting mixture is a         homogeneous solution, and     -   T_(F): temperature at the end of crystallisation and filtration,         which lies in the three phase domain.

This overall composition E corresponds to a racemic solution which is slightly enriched by a mass M of the antipode R forming a total mass Mt (the enantiomer excess R−S/R+S generally lies between 4% and 9%). Equilibrium conditions are obtained by very slow cooling and by seeding in the solid phase(s) when the overall point E defining the mixture reaches a domain where this (these) phase(s) is (are) present at equilibrium.

At the starting temperature T_(D) the solution is homogeneous. The following are observed in succession on cooling:

-   -   crystallisation of the antipode R alone, from T_(HOMO) to T_(L),         at the same time the solution point moves on the solubility         curve for antipode R, that is from point E at level T_(HOMO) to         point L within the isopleth cross-section R-Y. At point L, mass         M of crystals R in equilibrium with saturated solution is given         by Mt (X_(E)−X_(L)/1−X_(L))=M and corresponds to the enantiomer         excess present in the initial solution (FIG. 3), the abscissas         of the points L, E and R correspond to the compositions, and 1         (FIG. 3).     -   from T_(L) the solution point moves from L to I_(F) along the         line of fixed gradient containing the solutions of racemic         composition shown in FIG. 2, thus leaving the isopleth         cross-section R-Y in FIG. 3, crystals of R and S are then         deposited simultaneously and in equal quantities. Resolution         cannot be effected under equilibrium conditions at temperatures         below T_(L).         Change in the Solution when Resolving by Conventional Control in         Accordance with the SIPC Process

Crystallisation of the First Antipode in Excess

The previous solution E is homogenised at temperature T_(D) (FIGS. 4 and 5). In order to make it supersaturated it is cooled rapidly to temperature T_(F) without any crystallisation occurring. This solution, which is not in thermodynamic equilibrium, is then seeded with very pure seeds of the antipode R having the same chirality as the antipode in excess. The isothermal crystallisation of antipode R is established and the point representing the solution moves within the cross-section R-Y-T from E to the level T_(F) with which it is first coterminous to F where filtration is rapidly performed. The mass of antipode R recovered is 2M or again is equal to Mt (X_(E)−X_(F)/1−X_(F)).

Crystallisation of the Second Antipode, Cyclicity of the Operations

The above fundamental operation thus gave rise to a solution F enriched with antipode S. By adding a mass 2M of racemic mixture (equal to that of the antipode recovered) and heating this mixture to temperature T_(D) a homogeneous solution E′ which is symmetrical for E with respect to the vertical plane A-(RS)-T is obtained. The process making it possible to obtain a mass 2M of antipode S will itself also be represented by symmetrical movement of the above in relation to this median plane. The following operations are then performed in sequence:

-   -   solution E′ which is homogeneous at temperature T_(D) is first         cooled to T_(F), then,     -   seeded with very pure seeds of antipode S, the growth of this         antipode displaces the point representing the solution on the         horizontal segment E′F′ (at the level T_(F)),     -   when the solution point is the same as F′, the solution is         filtered and provides a mass 2M of antipode S,     -   after a further addition of a mass 2M of racemic mixture and a         further heating to T_(D) a homogeneous solution is again         obtained and its representative point is the same as the initial         point E at level T_(D),     -   the rest of the process is merely a repeat of this cycle of         operations.

Variants in the SIPC Process

The literature (Amiard, G., 1956, Bull. Soc. Chim. Fr. 447, Collet, A., Brienne, M. J., Jacques, J., 1980, Chemical reviews 80, 3, 215-30, Noguchi Institute, 1968, patent GB 1 197 809) is based on the above general scheme; the main modifications which have appeared in the literature are classified as follows:

a) Spontaneous Primary Nucleation of the Antipode in Excess

-   -   When (±)-threonine is separated (Amiard, G., 1956, Bull. Soc.         Chim. Fr. 447), the primary nucleation of the antipode in excess         occurs spontaneously within the supersaturated homogeneous         solution. This primary nucleation occurs when point E         representing the composition of the whole lies within the         three-phase domain and the solution is not stirred (Collet, A.,         Brienne, M. J., Jacques, J., 1980, Chemical Reviews 80, 3,         215-30).

b) Seeding During Cooling (S3PC)

-   -   This protocol is the one most frequently found in the literature         (Noguchi Institute, 1968, patent GB 1 197 809) when the process         differs from SIPC. There are differences between the procedures         cited, but nevertheless the following common broad lines can be         identified:         -   cooling of the homogeneous solution from T_(D) to a             temperature below to T_(L) but above T_(F),     -   seeding of the supersaturated homogeneous solution located in         the three-phase domain with seeds of the same chirality as the         antipode in excess,     -   cooling to T_(F). In some cases the latter stage is controlled         by precise temperature programming (Noguchi Institute, 1968,         patent GB 1 197 809).

These protocols will be grouped together under the same term “S3PC” for “Seeded polythermic programmed preferential crystallization” although temperature programming is not present or is limited to the second stage of cooling.

Change in the Solution Point in the Case of Resolution by Programmed Control and Self-seeding in Accordance with the AS3PC Process According to the Invention

In order to achieve a better comparison between conventional processes and the AS3PC process the initial point E is chosen arbitrarily in FIGS. 6 and 7 to be the same as in the previous case; however, as will be apparent in the examples which follow, the AS3PC process makes it possible to take a point E which is further away from the plane A-(RS)-T and therefore with a larger enantiomer excess and thus improve the harvest of crystals in each operation.

Crystallisation of the First Antipode in Excess

At the start of the process, and contrary to conventional protocols, the whole, crystals plus solution, is no longer homogeneous but is raised to the temperature T_(B). The initial solution is then in equilibrium with the crystals of the enantiomers in excess (for example R in FIG. 7). The points representing the solution (S_(E)) and the whole (E) are therefore not the same from the start of the process. The two-phase mixture is subjected to a programmed temperature reduction function without the addition of seed crystals. The point representing the solution describes a curve S_(E)F, contained within the plane R-Y-T, which depends on the kinetics of cooling (FIG. 7). With correctly adjusted kinetics, growth of the enantiomer crystals in excess occurs at the start, crystallisation then progressing towards a simultaneous regimen of growth plus secondary nucleation. When the point representing the solution reaches the point F, filtration is performed to recover a mass 2M of crystals of antipode R.

Crystallisation of the Second Antipode, Cyclic Nature of the Operations

From point F, which corresponds to the above parent solution, there is a move to point E, which is symmetrical for E with respect to the vertical plane A-(RS)-T, by adding a mass 2M of the racemic mixture and heating to temperature T_(B). The enantiomer excess is then profited from to take up a position in the two-phase domain containing the saturated solution and the crystals of the antipode in excess. To begin with the racemic mixture added during the passage from F to E (as from F′ to E) will be ground and sieved so as to accelerate the stage of dissolution of the two antipodes and more particularly the antipode of which there is less, and thus permit the formation of a large number of crystals of the antipode in excess which has the role of the seeds added in conventional processes.

The saturated solution S′_(E), which is symmetrical for S_(E) with respect to the plane A-(RS)-T is subjected to the same cooling function. The crystals present from the start of cooling grow and then take part in a double mechanism of growth+secondary nucleation. As in the case of the first crystallisation no seeding is therefore necessary.

During this time the point representing the solution moves along a curve S_(E′)F′ contained within the plane of the isopleth cross-section S-Y′-T which is symmetrical with respect to the bisecting plane A-(RS)-T.

When the solution reaches the representative point located at F′, filtration is performed to harvest a mass 2M of ground and sieved racemic mixture followed by raising the temperature to T_(B) yielding the two-phase mixture at the starting equilibrium.

Continuation of the process consists of repeating this cycle of operations yielding crystals of antipode R and S alternately.

Necessary Conditions for Implementing the AS3PC Process

-   -   a) The equimolar mixture of optical antipodes produces a         conglomerate (pure antipodes or solvates) in the solvent used         within the temperature range T_(B)−T_(F); however the existence         of a metastable racemate is not a handicap.     -   b) The molecules which are to be resolved are stable in this         solvent and in the temperature range used between T_(B) and         T_(F).     -   c) It is necessary to determine the ternary equilibrium         temperatures T_(L) and T_(HOMO). Temperature T_(L) is the         temperature at which the racemic mixture dissolves in the         absence of any enantiomer excess in the solution. Once T_(L) has         been determined, the temperature T_(HOMO) corresponds to the         homogenisation temperature of the solution. It depends on the         starting enantiomer excess and the ratio a of the solubilities         of the racemic mixture and the antipode at T_(L). Knowledge of         the supersaturation capacities of the solutions between T_(L)         and T_(F) is also necessary, depending upon the cooling kinetic,         the form of stirring, the nature of the vessel and the particle         size of the crystals of the antipode in excess. To a first         approximation, the time to the appearance of crystals by primary         nucleation in the homogeneous racemic solution L cooled from a         temperature slightly above T_(L) using the same kinetics yields         an indication of the supersaturation capacity tolerated by the         conglomerate under these experimental conditions. This method of         operation has been taken into account in the examples.     -   d) Knowledge of the kinetics of dissolution of a known mass of         racemic mixture (of a given particle size) dispersed in the         solution at temperature T_(B). A few tests will be sufficient to         discover this time.

In what follows the examples and figures are provided by way of a non-restrictive illustration of this invention.

FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the ternary system solvent A—antipode R—antipode S, in relation to temperature and crystallisation surfaces for each constituent and compositions of the doubly saturated solutions (monovariant curves); this figure also shows the isotherms at temperatures T_(D) and T_(F) and the ternary eutectic plane at the temperature Tε including four phases.

FIG. 2 is a projection onto the plane of concentrations of the equilibria at T_(D) and T_(F), as well as a representation of the line of the isopleth cross-section RY on which point E represents the composition of the initial mixture slightly enriched in antipode R which will deposit this same antipode.

FIG. 3 is the isopleth vertical cross-section RY in FIG. 2 containing the composition points for the antipode in excess and that of the initial solution E on which the path of the solution point for a mixture of composition X_(E) at equilibrium and on cooling is shown (as a bold line). For T<T_(L) the solution point no longer falls within this cross-section.

FIG. 4 is a projection onto the concentrations plane of the path of the solution point (as a bold line) during alternating resolution by isothermal control at temperature T_(F) and seeded in accordance with the SIPC method.

FIG. 5 is the vertical isopleth cross-section containing the straight line RY

-   -   in FIG. 4 and illustrating the path of the solution point (as a         bold line) from E to F during isothermal control (to T_(F)) and         seeded according to the SIPC method.

FIG. 6 is a projection onto the concentrations plane of the path of the solution point (as a bold line) when resolving by the self-seeded programmed polythermal process (AS3PC).

FIG. 7 is the vertical isopleth cross-section containing the straight line RY

-   -   in FIG. 6 and illustrating the path of the solution point (as a         bold line) from S_(E) to F during resolution by the self-seeded         programmed polythermal process according to the invention         (AS3PC).

FIG. 8 is a projection on the concentrations plane of the path of the solution point (as a bold line) during resolution by the self-seeded programmed polythermal process (AS3PC) and confirming the relationship s(±)<2−α.

All the isothermal cross-sections and isopleths illustrated in these figures have composition variables expressed as fractions by mass.

FIG. 9 shows the powder X-ray diffraction spectrum obtained corresponding to form II of the laevorotatory enantiomer and dextrorotatory enantiomer of modafinil respectively (Diffractometer: Miniflex Rigaku (Elexience).

FIG. 10 shows the powder X-ray diffraction spectrum obtained corresponding to form III of the laevorotatory enantiomer and dextrorotatory enantiomer of modafinil respectively (Diffractometer: Miniflex Rigaku (Elexience).

FIG. 11 shows the powder X-ray diffraction spectrum obtained corresponding to form IV of the laevorotatory enantiomer and dextrorotatory enantiomer of modafinil respectively (Diffractometer: Siemens AG).

FIG. 12 shows the powder X-ray diffraction spectrum obtained corresponding to the dimethyl carbonate solvate of the laevorotatory enantiomer and the dextrorotatory enantiomer of modafinil respectively (Diffractometer: Siemens AG).

FIG. 13 shows the powder X-ray diffraction spectrum obtained corresponding to the acetonitrile solvate of the laevorotatory enantiomer and dextrorotatory enantiomer of modafinil respectively (Diffractometer: Siemens AG).

FIG. 14 shows the powder X-ray diffraction spectrum obtained corresponding to form V of the laevorotatory enantiomer of modafinil (Diffractometer: Bruker GADDS). FIG. 15 shows the powder X-ray diffraction spectrum obtained corresponding to the acetic acid solvate of the laevorotatory enantiomer and the dextrorotatory enantiomer of modafinil respectively (Diffractometer: Bruker GADDS).

FIG. 16 shows the powder X-ray diffraction spectrum obtained corresponding to the amorphous form of the laevorotatory enantiomer and dextrorotatory enantiomer of modafinil respectively (Diffractometer: Bruker GADDS).

EXAMPLES Preparation of Crystalline Forms of the (−)-Modafinil Enantiomer and the (+)-Modafinil Enantiomer Respectively

General

The new crystalline forms of the enantiomers of modafinil have been characterised respectively by powder X-ray diffraction spectroscopy, which provides a unique digital signature characteristic of the crystalline form investigated and can be used to distinguish it from amorphous enantiomers of modafinil and any other crystalline form of modafinil enantiomers.

The X-ray diffraction data were measured:

-   -   the D5005 system as an X-ray powder diffractometer (Siemens AG,         Karlsruhe, Germany, Eva 5.0 data analysis method), with         nickel-filtered copper radiation at λ=1,540 Å (with an         accelerator speed of 40 KV, tube current 40 mA) and rotation of         the sample during measurement (angle: 3 to 40° [2 theta] at a         rate of 0.04° [2 theta].s⁻¹, the step size being 0.04°,         preparation of the sample with a preferential orientation).     -   a Miniflex Rigaku (Elexience) system as an X-ray powder         diffractometer using chromium radiation, an accelerator speed of         30 KV, a tube current of 15 mA and rotation of the sample during         measurement (angle: 3 to 80° [2 theta] at a rate of 0.05° [2         theta]. s⁻¹, the step size being 0.1°, preparation of the sample         with a preferential orientation).     -   Using a GADDS system as a X-ray powder diffractometer (Bruker,         the Netherlands), equipped with a “Hi-Star area” detector and         equipped for the analysis of plates with 96 wells. The analyses         were performed at ambient temperature using CuK_(alpha) copper         radiation in the region of 2 theta angles between 3 and 42°. The         diffraction spectrum for each well is collected between two         domains of the value for the 2 theta angle (3°<2°Theta<21° and         19°<2 Theta<42°) with an exposure time of between 50 and 250         seconds.

Of course the intensity values can vary in relation to sample preparation, the assembly and the measuring instruments. The 2 theta measurement can also be affected by variations associated with the measuring instruments, so the corresponding peaks can vary from ±0.04° to ±0.2° according to the equipment. Also a person skilled in the art will appreciate having available the interplanar spacings which constitute essential data for diffraction spectra. The interplanar spacings are calculated using Bragg's relationship [(2d sin theta=nλ, in which d =the interplanar spacing (∈), λ=the wavelength of the copper radiation, theta=the angle of rotation of the crystal (in degrees)] when this relationship is satisfied.

Examples 1 to 10 Preparation of Form I of (−)-Modafinil and (+)-Modafinil Respectively Example 1

a) Enantiomer I of modafinil was dissolved in polar solvents:

methanol, absolute ethanol, absolute ethanol containing 3% of water, ethanol denatured with toluene (2.5%) and containing 3% of water, and water under reflux under the experimental conditions detailed in Table 1. TABLE 1 Quantity of I-modafinil Volume of solvent Solvent (g) (ml) Yield % Methanol 8.37 ≦50 63 Absolute ethanol 7.85 115 56 Absolute ethanol + 3% 5 70 54 of water Ethanol denatured with 5 70 56 toluene + 3% of water Water 5 ≧400 88

After rapid cooling by quenching in a water and ice bath for 30 minutes the medium was filtered and then dried in a stove at 35° C. The crystallised product was identified by its powder X-ray diffraction spectrum as being the polymorph of form I of the I-enantiomer of modafinil.

b) Enantiomer d of modafinil (555 g), treated under the same experimental conditions as example la in a mixture of ethanol denatured with toluene (2 L) and water (0.1 L), crystallised in polymorphic form I as identified by its powder X-ray diffraction spectrum with a yield of 91%.

Example 2 Recrystallisation from Acetone

a) 2 g of (−)-modafinil were suspended in acetone (20 ml) in a three-necked flask fitted with a condenser, a thermometer and a stirrer. The mixture was heated under reflux. The reaction mixture was stirred for 30 minutes at approximately 56° C. until the (−)-modafinil was completely dissolved. The solution was then cooled slowly at a rate of −0.5° C./min to 10° C. with stirring. The reaction mixture was filtered, and the solid obtained was dried to yield the I form of (−)-modafinil identified by its X-ray diffraction spectrum. Yield 62%.

b) The same experimental conditions applied to (+)-modafinil led to the acquisition of an identical X-ray diffraction spectrum.

Example 3 Recrystallisation from Methanol

-   -   a) 1 g of (−)-modafinil was added to 7 ml of methanol and heated         under reflux until the (−)-modafinil was completely dissolved.         The reaction mixture was precipitated by adding 6 ml of water at         1° C. The suspension was stirred continuously for 1 minute and         then filtered on sintered glass (No. 3). The solid isolated was         dried to yield form I of (−)-modafinil identified by its X-ray         diffraction spectrum. Yield 55%.

b) The same experimental conditions applied to (+)-modafinil led to the acquisition of an identical X-ray diffraction spectrum.

Example 4 Recrystallisation from Methanol (2^(nd) Example)

a) 2.5 g of (−)-modafinil were added to 90 ml of methanol and heated under reflux until the (−)-modafinil was completely dissolved. The clear solution was added to 200 ml of water at 1° C. and kept stirred for 10 min. The reaction mixture was filtered and the recovered solid was dried to yield form I of (−)-modafinil identified by its X-ray diffraction spectrum. Yield 78%.

b) The same experimental conditions applied to (+)-modafinil led to the acquisition of an identical X-ray diffraction spectrum.

Example 5 Recrystallisation from 1-4 Dioxan

a) 20 mL of 1-4 dioxan were placed in a 50 mL flask and placed under reflux. 2 g of (−)-modafinil were added in order to achieve saturation; stirring was provided by a magnetic bar (300 rpm). The whole was cooled after total dissolution of the (−)-modafinil using a cooling gradient of −0.5° C./min down to 20° C. The crystals obtained were filtered on sintered glass and identified as being form I by its X-ray diffraction spectrum. Yield 51%.

b) The same experimental conditions applied to (+)-modafinil led to the acquisition of an identical X-ray diffraction spectrum.

Example 6 Recrystallisation from a Mixture of Ortho, Meta and Para Xylene

a) 180 mL of a mixture of ortho, meta and para xylene were placed in a 250 mL flask and placed under reflux. 0.5 g of (−)-modafinil were added to achieve saturation; stirring was provided by a magnetic bar (300 rpm). The whole was cooled after total dissolution of the (−)-modafinil using a cooling gradient of −0.5° C./min down to 15° C. The crystals obtained were filtered on sintered glass and identified as being form I by its X-ray diffraction spectrum. Yield 26%.

b) The same experimental conditions applied to (+)-modafinil led to the acquisition of an identical X-ray diffraction spectrum.

Example 7 Recrystallisation from Ethyl Acetate

a) 100 mL of ethyl acetate were placed in a 250 mL flask and placed under reflux; 2 g of (−)-modafinil were added in order to achieve saturation; stirring was provided by a magnetic bar (300 rpm). The whole was cooled after total dissolution of the (−)-modafinil using a cooling gradient of −0.5° C./min down to 20° C. The crystals obtained were filtered on sintered glass and identified as being form I by its X-ray diffraction spectrum. Yield 66%.

b) (+)-modafinil (3 g) was dissolved in ethyl acetate (100 ml) under reflux. After cooling by quenching in a water and ice bath for 30 minutes, the medium was filtered and then dried in a stove at 50° C. under vacuum. The crystallised product was identified by its powder X-ray diffraction spectrum as being the polymorph of form I of (+)-modafinil.

Example 8 from other Polymorphic Forms

a) CRL 40982 form IV (0.5 g) and CRL 40982 form II (0.5 g) yielded form I by heating to 100° C.

Furthermore the pure form I of (−)-modafinil can be prepared by taking up a mixture of (−)-modafinil form I (0.5 g) and form II (0.5 g) and form III (0.5 g) in acetone (20 ml) for a sufficient time to achieve complete conversion (3 days).

In the two procedures form I was identified by its powder X-ray diffraction spectrum.

b) The use of (+)-modafinil (CRL 40983) under the same conditions yielded the same results.

Example 9 from Acetonitrile Solvate

a) 1 g of acetonitrile solvate of (−)-modafinil heated to 100° C. for 8 hours converted into a white solid identified as being (−)-modafinil form I by its powder X-ray diffraction spectrum.

b) The use of (+)-modafinil (CRL 40983) under the same conditions led to the same results.

Example 10 from Monodimethyl Carbonate Solvate

a) 1 g of the monodimethyl carbonate solvate of (−)-modafinil heated to 110° C. for 16 hours converted into a white solid identified as being (−)-modafinil form I by its powder X-ray diffraction spectrum.

b) The use of (+)-modafinil (CRL 40983) under the same conditions led to the same results.

Examples 11 to 12 Preparation of Form II (CRL 40982 Form II) of (−)-Modafinil and (CRL 40983 Form II) of (+)-Modafinil Respectively Example 11 Through Rapid Cooling

a) Modafinil enantiomer I was dissolved under reflux in the solvents: ethyl acetate, isopropanol, n-propanol and ethanol denatured with toluene (2.5%), according to the experimental conditions detailed in Table 2. TABLE 2 Quantity of Solvent I-modafinil (g) Volume of solvent (ml) Yield % Ethyl acetate 6.33 385 53 Isopropanol 8 110 69 n-propanol 7.85 65 70 Ethanol denatured 5 80 54 with toluene (2.5%)

After cooling by quenching in a water and ice bath for 30 minutes, the medium was filtered and then dried in a stove at 35° C. In each experimental s procedure the crystallised product was identified by its powder X-ray diffraction spectrum as being the form II polymorph (CRL 40982 form II) of the I-enantiomer of modafinil.

b) The d enantiomer of modafinil (3.02 g) was dissolved in 100 ml of isopropanol under reflux and then cooled by quenching in a water and ice bath for 30 minutes, filtered and dried under vacuum in a stove at 50° C. Under these experimental conditions (+)-modafinil crystallised into polymorphic form II (CRL 40983 form II) identified by its powder X-ray diffraction spectrum.

Example 12 by Cooling from Isopropanol

a) 100 mL of isopropanol was placed in a 250 mL flask which was placed under reflux and then 3 g of (−)-modafinil were added so as to achieve saturation, the mixture was stirred using a magnetic bar (300 rpm). After total dissolution of the (−)-modafinil the solution was slowly cooled to 20° C. at a cooling gradient of −0.5° C./min. The crystals obtained were filtered on sintered glass. The crystallised product was identified by its powder X-ray diffraction spectrum as being the form II polymorph (CRL 40982 form II) of the I-enantiomer of modafinil. Yield 42%.

b) The same experimental conditions applied to (+)-modafinil led to the acquisition of an identical X-ray diffraction spectrum.

Example 13 Preparation of Form III (CRL 40982 Form III) of (−)-Modafinil and (CRL 40983 Form II) of (+)-Modafinil Respectively Example 13 by Slow Cooling from Acetone

a) The I enantiomer of modafinil (5 g) was dissolved under reflux in 90 ml of acetone. After rapid cooling by quenching in a water and ice bath for 30 minutes the medium was filtered and then dried in a stove at 35° C. The crystallised product was identified by its powder X-ray diffraction spectrum as being the form III polymorph of I-enantiomer of modafinil. Yield 61%.

b) The same experimental conditions applied to (+)-modafinil led to the acquisition of an identical X-ray diffraction spectrum.

Examples 14 to 16 Preparation of Form IV (CRL 40982 Form IV) of (−)-Modafinil and (CRL 40983 Form III) of (+)-Modafinil Respectively Example 14 Recrystallisation from Chloroform

a) 20 mL of chloroform was placed in a 50 mL flask and heated under reflux. 1.5 g of (−)-modafinil were added so as to achieve saturation; stirring was provided by a magnetic bar (300 rpm). The whole was slowly cooled after total dissolution of the (−)-modafinil at a cooling gradient of −0.5° C./min down to 20° C. The crystals obtained were filtered on sintered glass and identified as being (−)-modafinil form IV by its powder X-ray diffraction spectrum.

b) The same experimental conditions applied to (+)-modafinil led to the acquisition of an identical X-ray diffraction spectrum.

Example 15 Recrystallisation from Methylethylketone

a) 100 mL of methylethylketone was placed in a 250 mL flask and heated under reflux. 2 g of (−)-modafinil were added so as to achieve saturation; stirring was provided by a magnetic bar (300 Rpm). The whole was slowly cooled after total dissolution of the (−)-modafinil at a cooling gradient of −0.5° C./min down to 20° C. The crystals obtained were filtered on sintered glass and identified as being (−)-modafinil form IV by its powder X-ray diffraction spectrum.

b) The same experimental conditions applied to (+)-modafinil led to the acquisition of an identical X-ray diffraction spectrum.

Example 16 Recrystallisation from Tetrahydrofuran

20 mL of tetrahydrofuran was placed in a 50 mL flask which was heated under reflux. 1 g of (−)-modafinil was added so as to achieve saturation; stirring was provided by a magnetic bar (300 Rpm). The whole was slowly cooled after total dissolution of the (−)-modafinil with a cooling gradient of −0.5° C./min down to 10° C. The crystals obtained were filtered on sintered glass and identified as being (−)-modafinil form IV by its powder X-ray diffraction spectrum.

Examples 17 and 17 B Preparation of Form V (CRL 40982 Form V) of (+)-Modafinil and (CRL 40983 Form V) of (+)-Modafinil Respectively Operating Procedure for Examples 17 and 17 b

A methanol solution of the d enantiomer of modafinil (150 mg/ml) was distributed over a 96-well plate and then the methanol was evaporated under slight vacuum before adding 25 μl of various solvents (concentration=3.75 mg/25 μL of solvent) at ambient temperature. The multi-well plates were made of stainless steel (316 L) and each sealed well contained a total volume of 50 μL. The plate was heated to an initial temperature of 60° C. with a temperature gradient of 4.8° C./min. After 30 minutes the plate was cooled slowly (−0.6° C./min) or rapidly (−300° C./min) until a final temperature of 3° C. was achieved, and it was then held at that final temperature for a minimum of 1 hour or a maximum of 48 hours. The solvent was evaporated under vacuum (nitrogen atmosphere) and the crystallised product was analysed.

Example 17 Recrystallisation from 2-Propanone

d-modafinil crystallised from 2-propanone in accordance with the operating conditions above by applying slow cooling (−0.6° C./min) and holding the temperature at 3° C. for 1 hour. The crystals were identified as being (+)-modafinil form V (CRL 40983 form V) by its powder X-ray diffraction spectrum.

Example 17b Recrystallisation from Tetrahydrofuran (THF)

d-modafinil crystallised from THF in accordance with the operating conditions above by applying rapid cooling (−300° C./min) and holding the temperature at 3° C. for 1 hour. The crystals were identified as being (+)-modafinil form V (CRL 40983 form V) by its powder X-ray diffraction spectrum.

Examples 18 to 19 Preparation of (−)-Modafinil Solvates and of (+)-Modafinil Example 18 Preparation of the Dimethyl Carbonate Solvate of (−)-Modafinil

a) 20 ml of dimethyl carbonate were added to 2 g of (−)-modafinil and refluxed. The reaction mixture was stirred for 10 minutes until the (−)-modafinil completely dissolved. The solution was cooled slowly (−0.5° C./min) down to 10° C. with stirring. The reaction mixture was then filtered through sintered glass (No. 3). Analysis of the dimethyl carbonate solvate of modafinil yielded a mass of approximately 24% starting from around 50° C. down to 110° C. The stoichiometry of the dimethyl carbonate solvate is therefore 1-1. This is therefore a true solvate, identified as being the dimethyl carbonate solvate of (−)-modafinil by its powder X-ray diffraction spectrum. Yield 88%.

b) The same experimental conditions applied to (+)-modafinil led to the acquisition of an identical X-ray diffraction spectrum.

Example 19 Preparation of the Acetonitrile Solvate of (−)-modafinil

a) Crystals of polymorphic form I of (−)-modafinil were suspended in acetonitrile for 3 days at 20° C. The solid recovered was identified as an acetonitrile solvate by X-ray diffraction. The solvate corresponded to a true solvate having a stoichiometry of 1-1, identified as being the acetonitrile solvate of (−)-modafinil by its powder X-ray diffraction spectrum. Yield 92%.

b) The same experimental conditions applied to (+)-modafinil led to the acquisition of an identical X-ray diffraction spectrum.

Example 20 Preparation of the Acetic Acid Solvate

a) 75 mg of d or I-modafinil were suspended in acetic acid in Minimax reactors in order to achieve a concentration of 15% (weight/volume). The crystallisation medium, which was constantly stirred, was raised to an initial temperature of 60° C. or 80° C. using a temperature gradient of 3° C./min. After 30 minutes the medium was cooled slowly (−0.6° C./min) or rapidly (−300° C./min) until a final temperature of 3° C. was obtained, and was then held at this final temperature for a minimum of 1 hour or a maximum of 48 hours. Under these experimental conditions the acetic acid solvate was obtained and identified by its powder X-ray diffraction spectrum.

b) The same experimental conditions applied to (+)-modafinil led to the acquisition of an identical X-ray diffraction spectrum.

Example 21 Preparation of the Amorphous Form of (−) and of (+)-Modafinil

The solvate of (−)or (+)-modafinil obtained in example 20 was converted into the amorphous form by heating at 120° C. for 3 hours. The powder X-ray diffraction spectrum obtained is shown in FIG. 16.

Examples 22 to 29 Resolution of (±)-Modafinil Acid by Preferential Crystallisation Using the AS3PC Method in Ethanol

-   Conditions associated with the equilibria

Solubility of the racemic mixture in ethanol: Temperature (° C.) 10.0 20.0 30.0 Solubility by mass (%) 3.0 4.1 5.96

-   -   Solubility of the pure (+)-antipode=1.99% at 20° C.; ratio         α=2.06     -   Coordinates of point L=Concentration: 5.96%. temperature: 30° C.

Change in T_(HOMO) with enantiomer excess=(racemic mixture/(solvent+racemic mixture))=5.96%=constant Enantiomer excess 0 3.94 7.66 11.1 T_(HOMO) (° C.) T_(L) = 30 32.4 34.5 36.3

Conditions associated with the kinetics

By adjusting T_(B) to be closer to T_(L) approximately 40% of the final harvest in the form of fine crystals can be thus obtained at the start of the experiment, and then only 60% of the expected final mass has to be produced. This operation is easy to carry out when the Z ratio is sufficiently high (equal to or greater than 0.8 per percentage enantiomer excess).

In the case of modafinil acid, crystallisation is carried out correctly. $Z = {{\left\lbrack \frac{d\left( T_{HOMO} \right)}{{de}.e} \right\rbrack( \pm ){constant}} = {Z = {{\left\lbrack \frac{d\left( T_{HOMO} \right)}{{de}.e} \right\rbrack{TLconstant}} = \frac{5}{9}}}}$

-   Temperature T_(B) ₁ =33.5° C. and T_(B) ₂ =31.5° C. -   Temperature T_(F)=17° C.

Cooling function=T=f(t) Type I cooling function Temperature (° C.) 33.5 17 17 t (min) 0 60 T_(Filtration)

Type II cooling function Temperature (° C.) 31.5 17 17 t (min) 0 60 T_(Filtration)

In the two cases in point, from TB1 or TB2 the cooling function is a linear segment: T ₁=33.5−0.275t  (Type I) T ₂=31.5−0.24167t  (Type 2) followed by a plateau at 17° C.

Example 22 Resolution of (−)-Modafinil Acid by the AS3PC Method at the 35 cc Scale in Ethanol

-   -   Initial Conditions

Enantiomer excess=11% Mass of solvent Mass (±) (g) Mass (+) (g) Cooling function 38.38 2.43 0.3 Type 1 Duration of the plateau at T_(B1) or T_(B2) = 30 minutes. Stirring speed = 200 rpm

Results Mass of the pure No. antipode (g) Optical purity (%) 1 0.61 (+) 90.7 2 0.65 (−) 89.4 3 0.68 (+) 90.5 4 0.64 (−) 90.6 5 0.65 (+) 88.8 6 0.72 (−) 91.5 7 0.71 (+) 92.8 Mean mass of the crystals of the pure antipode = 0.66 g Average optical purity = 90.6%

Example 23 Resolution of (−)-Modafinil Acid by the AS3PC Method on a Scale of 400 cc in Ethanol

Initial Conditions

Initial enantiomer excess=11% Mass of solvent Mass (±) (g) Mass (+) (g) Cooling function 511 32.42 3.99 Type I Stirring speed = 200 rpm

Results No. Mass of the pure antipode (g) Optical purity (%) 1 8.41 (+) 89.4 2 8.69 (−) 90.7 3 8.57 (+) 89.8 Mean mass of the crystals of the pure antipode = 8.55 g Average optical purity = 89.63%

Example 24 Resolution of (±) Modafinil Acid by the AS3PC Method on a 2 Litre Scale in Ethanol

Initial Conditions

Initial enantiomer excess=11.1% Mass of solvent Mass (±) (g) Mass (+) (g) Cooling function 1874 118.4 14.84 Type I

Results Mass of the pure antipode No. (g) Optical purity (%) 1 32.1 (+) 89.1 2 32.3 (−) 90.3 3 32.5 (+) 91.2 4 32.9 (−) 89.7 5 33.1 (+) 90.3 6 32.7 (−) 90.7 7 32.9 (+) 90.6 Mean mass of the crystals of the pure antipode = 32.6 g Average optical purity = 90.3%

Example 25 Resolution of (±) Modafinil Acid by the AS3PC on a 10 Litre Scale in Ethanol

Initial Conditions

Initial enantiomer excess=11.7% Mass of solvent Mass (±) (g) Mass (+) (g) Cooling function 6481 408 51.32 Type I or II Stirring speed = 200 rpm throughout the procedure using an Impeller ® moving stirrer.

Results Mass of the pure antipode Optical purity Cooling No. (g) (%) Cycle length function 1 (+) 121.9 90.5 103 I 2 (−) 121.1 92.2 104 I 3 (+) 137.6 91.3 83 II 4 (−) 134.7 90.8 84 II 5 (+) 135.1 90.6 83 II 6 (−) 134.5 91.2 82 II Mean mass of the crystals of the pure antipode = 130.8 g Average optical purity = 89.9%

Using the AS3PC Method in 2-Methoxyethanol

Conditions Associated with the Equilibria

Solubility of the racemic mixture in 2-methoxyethanol: Temperature (° C.) 10.0 20.0 30.0 40.0 Solubility by mass (%) 7.4 8 13.5 16 Solubility of the pure (+) antipode = 4% at 20° C. ratio α = 2.53 Coordinates of point L = Concentration: 16%. temperature: 39.4° C.

Change in T_(HOMO) with enantiomer excess=(racemic mixture/(solvent+race mixture))=16%=constant Enantiomer excess 0 4% 6% 8% T_(HOMO) (° C.) T_(L) = 39 44 46 48

Example 26 Resolution of (+)-Modafinil Acid in 2-Methoxyethanol by the AS3PC Method on a 10 Litre Scale

Initial Conditions

Enantiomer excess=10%

Initial temperature T_(B): 41° C.

Filtration temperature T_(F): 30° C.

Linear temperature gradient from 41° C. to 30° C. in 1 hour Mass of solvent Mass (±) (g) Mass (+) (g) 8000 g 1523 132 Stirring speed = 200 rpm

Results Mass of the pure antipode No. (g) Optical purity (%) 1 269.86 (+) 100  2 300 (−) 97   3 348.68 (+) 100  4 369.2  (−) 99.97 5 413.97 (+) 100  6 453.2 (−) 95.5 7 423.8 (+) 98   8 456 (−) 99.7 9 494.6 (+) 99.3 10 485.4 (−) 100  11 517 (+) 92   12 487.97 (−) 95.9 13 471.24 (+) 99.5 Mean mass of the crystals of the pure antipode = 422.4 g Average optical purity = 98.2%

Using the AS3PC Method in Methanol

Associated with the Equilibria

Solubility of the racemic mixture in methanol: Temperature (° C.) 10.0 20.0 30.0 40.0 Solubility by mass (%) 7.4 9.7 13.9 25.7 Solubility of the pure (+) antipode = 4.9% at 20° C. ratio α = 2.53 Coordinates of point L = Concentration: 25.6%. temperature: 46.5° C.

Change in T_(HOMO) with enantiomer excess=(racemic mixture/(solvent+race mixture)=25.7%=constant Enantiomer excess 0 4% 6% 8% 10% T_(HOMO) (° C.) T_(L) = 45 50 52 53 54

Example 27 Resolution of (±)-Modafinil Acid by the AS3PC Method on a 1 Litre Scale in Methol

Experimental conditions

Enantiomer excess=10%

Initial temperature T_(B): 46.5° C.

Filtration temperature T_(F): 30° C.

Temperature gradient: linear from 39.4° C. to 18° C. in 1 hour Mass of solvent Mass (±) (g) Mass (+) (g) 1450 g 501.5 55.7 Stirring speed = 230 rpm

Stirring speed=230 rpm

Results Mass of the pure antipode No. (g) Optical purity (%) 1 107.1 (+) 99.7  2 90.9 (−) 78.2  3 137.1 (+) 72.7  4 125.5 (−) 84.1  5 95.9 (+) 94.0  6 91.6 (−) 88.6  7 87.0 (+) 85.7  8 92.2 (−) 88.1  9 107.0 (+) 104.2 10 130.6 (−) 120.7 11 159.9 (+) 111.0 12 123.3 (−) 113.8 13 133.0 (+) 130.3 14 143.0 (−) 134.7 15 139.2 (+) 128.5 16 159.4 (−) 127.5 17 114.0 (+) 111.5 18 123.4 (−) 120.9 19 180.6 (+) 99.3  20 114.2 (−) 110.9 21 123.1 (+) 120.6 22 118.4 (−) 115.0 23 140.1 (+) 135.9 24 186.2 (−) 118.6 25 157.1 (+) 106.8 26 121.2 (−) 102.2 27 126.5 (+) 122.5 28 106.6 (−) 99.0  Mean mass of the crystals of the pure antipode = 108 g Average optical purity = 87.5%

Using the SIPC Method in Ethanol

Conditions associated with the equilibria (see AS3PC method)

Example 28 Resolution of (±) Modafinil Acid by the SIPC Method on a 2 Litre Scale with Seeding at the End of Cooling in Ethanol

Initial Conditions

Initial enantiomer excess=11.8%

Temperature at which the starting mixture is a homogeneous solution T_(D)=40° C. Mass of solvent Mass (±) (g) Mass (+) (g) Cooling function 1874 118.4 14.84 20 min from 40° C. to 17° C. = seeding temperature Time (plateau) at T_(F) before adding the seeds = 0 minutes Mass of seeds = 1% Crystallisation time = fastest possible cooling by quenching

Stirring speed=200 rpm throughout the procedure using an Impeller® mobile stirrer.

Results Mass of the pure antipode No. (g) Optical purity (%) 1 30.9 (+) 90.4 2 31.5 (−) 90.7 3 31.3 (+) 91.4 4 31.2 (−) 90.9 5 31.6 (+) 91.5 Mean mass of the crystals of the pure antipode = 31.28 g Average optical purity = 91%

Example 29 Resolution of (±)-Modafinil Acid by the S3PC Method on a 2 Litre Scale with Seeding During Cooling in Ethanol

Initial enantiomer excess: 11.14% Mass of solvent Mass (±) (g) Mass (+) (g) Cooling function 1874 118.4 14.84 20 min from 40° C. to 17° C.

-   -   Seeding temperature=29° C.     -   Seed mass=1%     -   Crystallisation time=the fastest possible cooling by quenching         Stirring speed=200 rpm throughout the procedure using an         Impeller® mobile stirrer.

Results Optical purity (%) No. Mass before purification 1 25.2 (+) 84.5 2 24.9 (−) 85.6 3 25.6 (+) 84.6 4 25.2 (−) 85.3 5 24.9 (+) 85.8 Mean mass of the crystals of the pure antipode = 25.2 g Average optical purity = 85.2%

Examples 30 to 32 Conversion of the Optical Enantiomers of Modafinil Acid to Alkyl Ester

This stage is illustrated through the use of (−)modafinil acid.

Examples 30 to 31 Esterification of (−)-Modafinil Acid Example 30 in the Presence of Dimethylsulphate

3.3 litres of acetone, 0.6 litres of water, 349 g of Na₂CO₃ (3.29 moles), 451 g of (−)-modafinil acid (1.64 moles) were placed in a 10 litre flask and heated to achieve reflux. Then 330 ml of dimethyl sulphate (3.29 moles) were run in over half an hour. Reflux was continued for one hour and then it was allowed to cool to ambient temperature in 20 hours.

The medium was then poured on to 6.6 kg of ice. Crystallisation was immediate and after 3 hours additional stirring filtration yielded a white precipitate which was washed in 6 litres of water.

This product was taken up again in 6 litres of water and again filtered. The precipitate was dried under vacuum at 35° C. and in this way 436.3 g of methyl ester were obtained (Yield=92.3%).

Example 31 in the Presence of Methyl Chloroformate

100 g of (−)-modafinil acid (0.36 mole) and 21.6 ml of triethylamine (0.36 mole) were added to 450 ml of methanol. 30 ml of methyl chloroformate 0.36 mole) were progressively poured onto the solution obtained after dissolution of the salt.

Pouring was carried out over 15 minutes increasing from 28° C. to 35° C. (release of CO₂). This was stirred for 2 hours and poured onto piled ice+water (500 g/500 ml).

The ester crystallised out; after filtering and drying 94.5 g of ester was obtained.

(Yield=90.1%).

Example 32 Ammonolysis of the Alkyl Ester of Optically Active Modafinil Acid

1.63 litres of methanol denatured with toluene, 0.1 litres of water and 425.1 g of methyl ester (1.474 moles) were placed in a 4 litre double jacket reactor.

The temperature was raised to 30° C. and bubbling of ammonia was begun maintaining this temperature. The operation lasted 1 hour and 45 minutes and the mass of ammonia introduced was 200 g. Stirring was maintained for 21 hours 30 minutes, and then it was cooled with the temperature being set to 0° C.

The medium was then filtered on No.3 sintered glass and 57.2 g was obtained straight away, together with a filtrate which was evaporated to dryness. The residue was taken up in 1.2 litres of ethanol denatured with toluene and after filtration a second amount of 308.6 g was obtained.

First Crystallisation:

The two amounts were pooled and recrystallised in 1.83 litres of ethanol denatured with toluene. Hot filtration yielded a filtrate which when cooled yielded a product which was filtered and dried under vacuum at 30° C. 162.2 g of a white product was obtained.

Second Crystallisation:

These 162.2 g were mixed with 810 ml of ethanol denatured with toluene and heated under reflux to achieve complete dissolution. This was then allowed to crystallise by cooling with ice and then filtered through No. 4 sintered glass and dried under vacuum at 30° C. 147.3 g (−)-modafinil (CRL 40982) was obtained.

Yield=36.6%.

Characteristics:

Rotation power=−18.6 (4.9% solution in methanol)

Melting point=163° C.

Examples 33 to 34 Crystalline Structures Example 33 Structure of Modafinil Acid

Modafinil crystals were obtained from acetone. This phase has the following characteristics:

-   -   Hexagonal P3 ₁ or P3 ₂ depending upon the enantiomer, the         modafilil is therefore a conglomerate,     -   a=9.55, b=9.55, c=13.14 Å     -   α=90,000, β=90,000, γ=120,000°

The diffraction intensities were measured using an automatic SMART APEX (Brucker) diffractometer at 20° C.

The structure was resolved using the set of Saintplus, Sadabs, Shelxs software packages.

The unusual nature of this spatial group in the case of chiral organic molecules must be emphasised.

The pattern repeats three times in the crystal lattice, so again Z=1. The molecules are linked together by hydrogen bonds via the acid and sulphoxide groups. It may be commented that the strongest interactions (the hydrogen bonds) wrap around the ternary helical axis along the crystallographic direction z.

Example 34 Structure of (−)and (+)-Modafinil Form I

The crystalline structure of (+)-modafinil form I, identified as being identical to that of (−)-modafinil form I, was determined. It has the following properties:

-   -   Crystalline system=monoclinic,     -   Spatial group=P2 ₁     -   a=5.6938, b=26.5024, c=9.3346 Å     -   β=105.970°

The diffraction intensities were measured using an automatic SMART APEX (Brucker) diffractometer at 20° C. 

1. Process for preparation of crystalline forms of the optical enantiomers of modafinil, comprising the following stages: i) dissolving one of the optical enantiomers of modafinil in a solvent other than ethanol, ii) crystallising the enantiomer of modafinil, iii) recovering the crystalline form of the enantiomer of modafinil so obtained.
 2. Process according to claim 1, in which the modafinil enantiomer is the laevorotatory enantiomer.
 3. Process according to claim 1, in which the modafinil enantiomer is the dextrorotatory enantiomer.
 4. Process according to claim 1, in which the crystalline form obtained is a polymorphic form.
 5. Process according to claim 1, in which crystallisation is performed under kinetic or thermodynamic conditions.
 6. Preparation process according to claim 5, in which crystallisation is performed by precipitation, possibly in the presence of seeds of crystals of the desired crystalline form.
 7. Preparation process according to claim 5, in which crystallisation consists of cooling the solution obtained in stage i).
 8. Process according to claim 7, in which cooling is slow.
 9. Process according to claim 7, in which cooling is fast.
 10. Process according to claim 8, in which the solvent used in stage i) is selected from acetone, 1-4 dioxan, ethyl acetate, ortho, meta or para xylene, or a mixture of ortho, meta and/or para xylene, and the polymorphic form obtained is Form I.
 11. Process according to claim 9, in which the solvent used in stage i) is selected from methanol, water and alcohol/water mixtures, and the polymorphic form obtained is Form I.
 12. Process according to claim 9, in which the solvent used in stage i) is isopropanol, n-propanol, ethyl acetate or ethanol denatured with toluene, and the polymorphic form obtained is Form II.
 13. Process according to claim 8, in which the solvent used in stage i) is isopropanol, and the polymorphic form obtained is Form II.
 14. Process according to claim 9, in which the solvent used in stage i) is acetone, and the polymorphic form obtained is Form III.
 15. Process according to claim 8, in which the solvent used in stage i) is selected from tetrahydrofuran, chloroform, methylethylketone, and the polymorphic form obtained is Form IV.
 16. Process according to claim 1, in which the crystalline form obtained is a solvate.
 17. Process according to claim 16, in which the solvent used in stage i) is dimethyl carbonate, the solvate so obtained being described as the dimethyl carbonate solvate.
 18. Polymorphic form of the laevorotatory or the dextrorotatory enantiomer of modafinil described as Form II, characterised in that it produces an X-ray diffraction spectrum comprising intensity peaks at the interplanar spacings: 8.54, 7.57, 7.44, 4.56, 3.78, 3.71 (Å).
 19. Polymorphic form according to claim 18, characterised in that it produces an X-ray diffraction spectrum comprising intensity peaks at the interplanar spacings: 11.33, 8.54, 7.57, 7.44, 5.67, 5.33, 4.83, 4.59, 4.56, 4.45, 4.05; 3.88, 3.78, 3.71, 3.34, 2.83, 2.53 (Å).
 20. Polymorphic form of the laevorotatory or the dextrorotatory enantiomer of modafinil described as Form II, characterised in that it produces an X-ray diffraction spectrum comprising intensity peaks at the interplanar spacings: 12.28, 8.54, 5.01, 4.10, 3.97, 3.20 (Å).
 21. Polymorphic form according to claim 20, characterised in that in produces an X-ray diffraction spectrum comprising intensity peaks at the interplanar spacings: 13.40, 12.28, 8.54, 7.32, 6.17, 5.11, 5.01, 4.65, 4.60, 4.48, 4.44, 4.27, 4.19, 4.10, 4.02, 3.97, 3.83, 3.66, 3.54, 3.42, 3.20, 2.91, 2.58 (Å).
 22. Polymorphic form of the laevorotatory or the dextrorotatory enantiomer of modafinil described as Form IV, characterised in that it produces an X-ray diffraction spectrum comprising intensity peaks at the interplanar spacings: 12.38, 8.58, 7.34, 5.00, 4.09 (Å).
 23. Polymorphic form according to claim 22, characterised in that in produces an X-ray diffraction spectrum comprising intensity peaks at the interplanar spacings: 13.88, 12.38, 10.27; 8.58, 7.34, 6.16, 5.660, 5.120, 5.00, 4.64, 4.48, 4.26, 4.18, 4.09, 3.82, 3.66, 3.53, 3.42, 3.28, 3.20 (Å).
 24. Polymorphic form of the laevorotatory or the dextrorotatory enantiomer of modafinil, characterised in that it produces an X-ray diffraction spectrum comprising intensity peaks at the interplanar spacings 9.63, 5.23, 5.03, 4.74, 4.66, 4.22, 4.10, 3.77 (Å).
 25. Dimethyl carbonate solvate of the laevorotatory or the dextrorotatory enantiomer of modafinil, characterised in that it produces an X-ray diffraction spectrum comprising intensity peaks at the interplanar spacings: 12.31, 9.69, 9.09, 8.54, 7.27, 6.21, 5.45, 5.10, 5.00, 4.83, 4.63, 4.46, 4.22, 4.13, 4.09, 3.78, 3.62, 3.53, 3.42, 3.32, 3.24, 3.21, 3.10 (Å).
 26. Process of conversion of a first crystalline form of one of the enantiomers of modafinil into a second crystalline form of the said enantiomer which is different from the first, the said process comprising the following stages: i) suspending the said first crystalline form of the said modafinil enantiomer in an appropriate solvent, and ii) recovering the said second crystalline form obtained.
 27. Process according to claim 26, in which the enantiomer used is (−)-modafinil.
 28. Process according to claim 27, in which the first crystalline form is form I.
 29. Process according to claim 28, in which the solvent used in stage ii) is acetonitrile, as a result of which an acetonitrile solvate is obtained.
 30. Acetonitrile solvate of the (−)-modafinil or (+)-modafinil enantiomer, characterised in that it produces an X-ray diffraction spectrum comprising intensity peaks at the interplanar spacings: 16.17, 14.14, 12.32, 10.66, 9.79, 9.29, 8.54, 8.15, 7.80, 7.09, 6.31, 5.83, 5.62, 5.41, 5.10, 4.90, 4.66, 4.58, 4.46, 4.33, 4.20, 4.02, 3.92, 3.835, 3.72, 3.60, 3.57; 3.45, 3.33, 3.24, 3.19, 3.09, 3.03.
 31. Process for the preparation of optically active modafinil from modafinil acid, comprising the following stages: i) separating the two optical enantiomers of (±)-modafinil acid and recovering at least one of the enantiomers, ii) placing one of the two enantiomers obtained in contact with a lower alkyl haloformate in the presence of alcohol or an organic base, iii) recovering the product obtained, iv) converting the ester obtained into an amide, v) recovering the product obtained in stage iv).
 32. Process according to claim 31, in which the haloformate is a lower alkyl chloroformate.
 33. Process according to claim 32, in which the lower alkyl chloroformate is methyl chloroformate.
 34. Process according to claim 31, in which the base used in stage ii) is selected from triethylamine, diisopropylamine, diethylmethylamine, DBU.
 35. Process according to claim 31, in which the alcohol is methanol.
 36. Process according to claim 31, in which stage iv) is carried out in the presence of a lower aliphatic alcohol.
 37. Process according to claim 31, in which resolution of the optical enantiomers of (±)-modafinil acid in stage i) is carried out through a preferential crystallisation process.
 38. Process according to claim 37, in which the process of resolving the two optical enantiomers of (±) modafinil acid or the salts of the same is a seeded process, the said process comprising the following stages: a) homogenising at a temperature T_(D) a combination comprising the racemic mixture of crystals of the first enantiomer of modafinil acid and solvent in the form of conglomerate, for which the defining point E defined by the concentration and temperature variables T_(D) lies in the monophase domain of the dilute solution, b) rapidly cooling the solution prepared in stage a) initially at the temperature T_(D) down to temperature T_(F), c) seeding the solution in stage b) during or at the end of cooling (T_(F)) with very pure seeds of the first enantiomer, d) harvesting the crystals of the first enantiomer, e) adding the racemic mixture of crystals in the form of conglomerate to the mother liquors resulting from the harvest performed in stage d) and homogenising the new combination by heating to a temperature T_(D), in such a way that the defining point E′ is symmetrical for E with respect to the plane of the racemic mixture of the solvent, (−)-antipode, (+)-antipode system, the said point E′ being located in the monophase domain of the dilute solution, f) rapidly cooling the solution obtained in stage e), initially at the temperature T_(D), down to the temperature T_(F), g) seeding the solution obtained in stage f) using very pure seeds of the second enantiomer, h) harvesting crystals of the second enantiomer, i) adding the racemic mixture in the form of a conglomerate of crystals to the mother liquors resulting from the crystal harvests performed in stage h) and homogenising the new combination heating to a temperature T_(D) to obtain a composition which is identical to that of the combination having the initial defining point E, j) repeating stages a), b), c), d), e), f), h) and j) in order to obtain the first and then the second of the two enantiomers in succession.
 39. Process according to claim 37, in which the process of separation of the two optical enantiomers of (±)-modafinil acid or salts of the same by preferential crystallisation is a self-seeded AS3PC process, the said process comprising the following stages: a) creating a combination comprising the racemic mixture of crystals of the first enantiomer of modafinil acid and solvent, in the form of conglomerate, for which the defining point E defined by the concentration and temperature variables T_(B) is located in the two-phase domain of the enantiomer in excess and is in equilibrium with its saturated solution, b) applying a function for programming cooling from the temperature of the two-phase mixture prepared in stage a), the said programming function being such that the mother liquors remain slightly supersaturated encouraging growth of the enantiomer present in the form of crystals while preventing spontaneous nucleation, of the second enantiomer present in the solution, c) adopting a stirring speed which increases slightly over time throughout the period of crystal growth in stage b) in such a way that the stirring speed is at all times sufficiently slow to encourage growth of the first enantiomer while preventing the generation of excessively large shear forces giving rise to uncontrolled nucleation and sufficiently fast to produce a homogeneous suspension and rapid renewal of the mother liquor about each crystallite of the first enantiomer, d) harvesting crystals of the first enantiomer, e) adding the racemic mixture of crystals in the form of conglomerate to the mother liquors resulting from the harvest performed in stage d) and bringing the new combination to a temperature plateau T_(B) for the time necessary to achieve thermodynamic equilibrium so that the defining point E′ is symmetrical for E with respect to the plane of the racemic mixtures of the solvent, (−)-antipode, (+)-antipode system, the said point E′ being located within the two-phase domain of the second enantiomer in excess and in equilibrium with its saturated solution, f) applying the same cooling programming function as in stage b) to the two-phase mixture prepared in stage e) containing the second enantiomer in such a way that the mother liquors remain slightly supersaturated during crystallisation so as to encourage growth of the enantiomer present in the form of crystals while preventing spontaneous nucleation of the first enantiomer present in the solution, g) adopting a stirring speed which increases slightly over time throughout the period of crystalline growth in stage f) in such a way that at all times it is sufficiently slow to encourage growth of the second enantiomer while avoiding generating excessively large shear forces bringing about uncontrolled nucleation, and sufficiently fast to achieve a homogeneous suspension and rapid renewal of the mother liquor around each crystallite of the second enantiomer, h) harvesting crystals of the second enantiomer, i) adding the racemic mixture of crystals in the form of conglomerate to the mother liquors resulting from the crystal harvest performed in stage g) in order to obtain a combination whose composition is identical to that of the initial combination E, j) repeating stages a), b), c), d), e), f) g), h) and i) to obtain the first and then the second of the two enantiomers in succession.
 40. Process according to claim 39, characterised in that in stage a) choice of the solvent or solvents and the working temperature range are defined in such a way as to have simultaneously: antipodes forming a conglomerate and of which any racemate is metastable within the working temperature range, liquors which are sufficiently concentrated but of low viscosity and low vapour pressure, the absence of solvolysis and racemisation, stability of the solvates if these are present at equilibrium and they are in the form of separable enantiomers.
 41. Process according to claim 39, characterised in that in stages (a) and (e) temperature T_(B) is higher than temperature T_(L) for homogenisation of the quantity of racemic mixture present in the initial suspension, and in that from the curve for the variation of T_(HOMO) in relation to the enantiomer excess and for a constant concentration of racemic mixture X_(L) the said temperature T_(B) is defined in such a way that the mass of fine crystals of the first enantiomer in stages (a) and (i) and the second enantiomer in stage (e) in equilibrium with their saturated solutions represents at most 50% and preferably between approximately 25% and 40% of the expected harvest.
 42. Process according to claim 39, characterised in that in stages (b) and (f) the programming function for cooling the temperature T_(B) to T_(F) appropriate for the experimental assemblage is defined in such a way as to: achieve slight supersaturation throughout the period for crystallisation of the enantiomer present in the form of crystals at the start of each cycle, this slight supersaturation bringing about gentle growth and secondary nucleation, achieve maximum supersaturation of the other enantiomer at T_(F) without primary nucleation, obtaining a harvest of crystals in stages (d) and (h) which after addition of the racemic mixture and making-up in stages (e) and (i), makes it possible for the operations to be cyclical.
 43. Process according to claim 42, characterised in that the cooling programming function is determined for its part from T_(L) to T_(F) by cooling of the solution of concentration X_(L) from T_(L)+1° C. to T_(F), T_(F) being below T_(L)−(T_(HOMO)−T_(L)), in order to obtain a stable saturated solution without primary nucleation while allowing a double harvest of the initial enantiomer excess and in that the said cooling programming function is determined for its part from T_(B) to T_(L) by extrapolation of the same function as determined from T_(L)+1° C. to T_(F).
 44. Process according to claim 39, characterised in that in the two stages (b) and (f) the heat release accompanying deposition of the first enantiomer and the second enantiomer is incorporated into the cooling programming function.
 45. Process according to claim 39, characterised in that in stages (e) and (i) shortages of solvent are made up.
 46. Process according to claim 39, characterised in that in stages (a), (e) and (i) the fine crystals of racemic mixture in the form of conglomerate, which are added, were before being introduced subjected to prior treatment accelerating the dissolution stage, such as grinding and sieving, treatment with ultrasound waves or partial lyophilisation.
 47. Process according to claim 39, characterised in that in stages (a), (e) and (i), the stirring speed is increased.
 48. Process according to claim 38 or 39, in which the solvent used in stage a) is ethanol, 2-methoxyethanol or methanol.
 49. Process according to claim 48, in which the temperature T_(F) lies between 0 and 40° C.
 50. Process according to claim 48, in which the concentration of the racemic mixture in stage a) lies between 2 and 50% by mass.
 51. Process according to claim 48, in which the enantiomer excess in stage a) lies between 1 and 50% by mass.
 52. Process according to claim 51, in which the temperature T_(B) lies between 25° C. and 50° C.
 53. Process according to claim 48, in which duration of the temperature plateau T_(B) lies between 15 and 60 min.
 54. Process for preparation of one of the enantiomers of modafinil comprising the following stages: a) separating the two optical enantiomers of (±)-modafinil acid or salts of the same through a preferential crystallisation process as defined in claim 35, b) converting the said enantiomer to an amide, c) recovering the modafinil enantiomer obtained.
 55. Process according to claim 54, in which stage b) is carried out in two stages: b1) conversion of the said enantiomer into a lower alkyl ester, b2) converting the product obtained in stage b1) to an amide.
 56. Pharmaceutical composition comprising the polymorphic form of (−)-modafinil or of (+)-modafinil, described as form (II), in association if appropriate with a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle.
 57. Pharmaceutical composition comprising the polymorphic form of (−)-modafinil or of (+)-modafinil, described as form (III), in association if appropriate with a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle.
 58. Pharmaceutical composition comprising the polymorphic form of (−)-modafinil or of (+)-modafinil, described as form (IV), in association if appropriate with a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle.
 59. Pharmaceutical composition comprising the polymorphic form of (−)-modafinil or of (+)-modafinil, described as form (V), in association if appropriate with a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle.
 60. A method for the prevention or treatment of a disease selected from: hypersomnia; idiopathic hypersomnia; hypersomnia in patients affected by a cancer treated with morphine analgesics to relieve pain; sleep apnoeas, excessive somnolence associated with a disease; obstructive sleep apnoeas; narcolepsy; somnolence; excessive somnolence excessive somnolence associated with narcolepsy; disturbances of the central nervous system such as Parkinson's disease; protection of the cerebral tissue against ischaemia; alertness disturbances; alertness disturbances associated with Steinert's disease; attention disturbances; ADHD); fatigue associated with multiple sclerosis and other degenerative diseases; depression; the depressive condition associated with low exposure to sunlight; the depressive condition associated with schizophrenia; the depressive condition associated with rotating shift work; the depressive condition associated with time shifts; eating disturbances in which modafinil acts as an appetite stimulant; and for the stimulation of cognitive functions, comprising administering the polymorphic form of (−)-modafinil or of (+)-modafinil described as form II to a patient.
 61. A method for the prevention or treatment of a disease selected from: hypersomnia; idiopathic hypersomnia; hypersomnia in patients affected by a cancer treated with morphine analgesics to relieve pain; sleep apnoeas, excessive somnolence associated with a disease; obstructive sleep apnoeas; narcolepsy; somnolence; excessive somnolence excessive somnolence associated with narcolepsy; disturbances of the central nervous system such as Parkinson's disease; protection of the cerebral tissue against ischaemia; alertness disturbances; alertness disturbances associated with Steinert's disease; attention disturbances; ADHD); fatigue associated with multiple sclerosis and other degenerative diseases; depression; the depressive condition associated with low exposure to sunlight; the depressive condition associated with schizophrenia; the depressive condition associated with rotating shift work; the depressive condition associated with time shifts; eating disturbances in which modafinil acts as an appetite stimulant; and for the stimulation of cognitive functions, comprising administering the polymorphic form of (−)-modafinil or of (+)-modafinil described as form III to a patient.
 62. A method for the prevention or treatment of a disease selected from: hypersomnia; idiopathic hypersomnia; hypersomnia in patients affected by a cancer treated with morphine analgesics to relieve pain; sleep apnoeas, excessive somnolence associated with a disease; obstructive sleep apnoeas; narcolepsy; somnolence; excessive somnolence excessive somnolence associated with narcolepsy; disturbances of the central nervous system such as Parkinson's disease; protection of the cerebral tissue against ischaemia; alertness disturbances; alertness disturbances associated with Steinert's disease; attention disturbances; ADHD); fatigue associated with multiple sclerosis and other degenerative diseases; depression; the depressive condition associated with low exposure to sunlight; the depressive condition associated with schizophrenia; the depressive condition associated with rotating shift work; the depressive condition associated with time shifts; eating disturbances in which modafinil acts as an appetite stimulant; and for the stimulation of cognitive functions, comprising administering the polymorphic form of (−)-modafinil or of (+)-modafinil described as form IV to a patient.
 63. A method for the prevention or treatment of a disease selected from: hypersomnia; idiopathic hypersomnia; hypersomnia in patients affected by a cancer treated with morphine analgesics to relieve pain; sleep apnoeas, excessive somnolence associated with a disease; obstructive sleep apnoeas; narcolepsy; somnolence; excessive somnolence excessive somnolence associated with narcolepsy; disturbances of the central nervous system such as Parkinson's disease; protection of the cerebral tissue against ischaemia; alertness disturbances; alertness disturbances associated with Steinert's disease; attention disturbances; ADHD); fatigue associated with multiple sclerosis and other degenerative diseases; depression; the depressive condition associated with low exposure to sunlight; the depressive condition associated with schizophrenia; the depressive condition associated with rotating shift work; the depressive condition associated with time shifts; eating disturbances in which modafinil acts as an appetite stimulant; and for the stimulation of cognitive functions, comprising administering the polymorphic form of (−)-modafinil or of (+)-modafinil described as form V to a patient. 